BENFIELD Sports International (BSI) has signed two new terrestrial television deals for the world championship FIM Speedway Grand Prix Series (SGP).

For the first time the SGP Series will broadcast on Finnish television, the London based agency securing a deal with Channel Four Finland to transmit a one hour highlights show from all nine rounds of the Series.

Jorma Paakkari, Head of Sports, Channel Four Finland commented: ‘World championship speedway is one of the biggest growing sports in Europe and has a traditionally strong profile in Scandinavia. The emergence of Finnish riders Kai Laukkanen and Joonas Kylmakorpi has ignited interest in the Series in Finland and is a valued addition to our motorsport portfolio.’

Meanwhile, British terrestrial broadcaster Channel 4 has extended their deal to broadcast a one hour highlights programme from each round approximately one week after each live event.

Commenting on both deals, John Postlethwaite, Chief Executive, Benfield Sports International said: ‘These two new deals epitomise the continued interest in the Speedway Grand Prix Series and breaking into the Finnish market strengthens our foothold in the Scandinavian market.

‘This is the fifth consecutive year Channel 4 in Great Britain has broadcast the SGP Series and we are delighted to agree this new deal. They have been a great supporter of the world championship since we took over the rights in 2000 and look forward to continuing this successful relationship.’

For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Nicola Sands, Media Manager, Benfield Sports International
Tel: +44 (0)207 578 7453 E-mail: nicola@benfieldsports.com