WIMBLEDON BID TO AVOID F1 CLASH IS A NON-STARTER

WIMBLEDON chiefs have been frustrated in their attempts to stop two of the showpiece British sporting events of the summer starting within 10 minutes of each other on Sunday July 14.

The Wimbledon men’s singles final traditionally begins at 2pm on the last Sunday of the Championships, but will clash this year with the British Grand Prix, which is due to start at 2.10pm.

On a bumper day for sports fans, the Cricket World Cup final will also be taking place at Lord’s from 10.30am, and it is Bastille Day at the Tour de France.

The Wimbledon men’s final has clashed with the British Grand Prix before, and was also on the same day as the World Cup final last year. But whereas cricket and tennis chiefs have been working closely to maximise the success of their respective events — with invites to the Royal Box likely to be offered to England cricketers, for example — Wimbledon have been frustrated in their efforts to liaise with their Formula One counterparts.

F1’s owners, Liberty Media, moved the start time of races to 10 minutes past the hour last season in the belief it improves the experience of TV viewers.

They decide the start time of all races, but hosts Silverstone are said to be happy as they can increase the time — and money — punters spend at the circuit.

A new £ 20million Silverstone Experience is launching this year, although 2019 could yet be the last time the British Grand Prix is staged at the famous circuit.

TV viewers, though, will be forced to choose between the marquee events. In the UK, Wimbledon will be on the BBC, with the British Grand Prix also available to a terrestrial audience on Channel 4. Sky will carry the F1 and broadcast the Cricket World Cup final.

It is even more complicated for foreign broadcasters. In the USA, for example, ESPN plan to carry the tennis on their main channel and show the motor racing on ESPN 2.