F1 2012: 10 Races the BBC Should Fight To Broadcast

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MONTE CARLO, MONACO - MAY 29: Race winner Sebastian Vettel (L) of Germany and Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner (R) take BBC F1 commentator David Coulthard (C) into the Red Bull Racing Energy Station swimming pool as the

Will BBC's new coverage sink or swim
Mark Thompson/Getty Images

The BBC has announced that a new deal had been agreed upon with Formula One Management starting from next season until 2018. The deal limits BBC's coverage to half of the season's races, as well as the practice and qualifying sessions for those races. Sky Sports, on the other hand, will show every race, qualifying session and practice live.

Predictably, this has led to outrage from fans not only in the UK but around the world, who have enjoyed BAFTA-winning coverage since the BBC bought rights to the sport in 2009. Bernie Ecclestone has defended the move, insisting the deal was "super" for Formula One.

F1 teams are expected to meet with Ecclestone to discuss the new broadcasting deal and establish whether it breaches the terms of the Concorde Agreement signed by all participating teams, which states that the sport will remain on free-to-air television.

This article will look at the 2012 Formula One calender and pick out the top 10 races the BBC should be pushing to broadcast to appease their 10 million-plus viewers.

Circuit de Monaco: The Monaco Grand Prix

MONTE CARLO, MONACO - MAY 29: Adrian Sutil of Germany and Force India leads a train of cars through the swimming pool complex during the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix at the Monte Carlo Circuit on May 29, 2011 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mark Thom

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Considered the "Jewel in the Crown" of F1 racing. The combination of narrow streets and tight corners and the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo makes for a unique event considered, by many, to be the "World's Greatest Motor Race."

Silverstone: The British Grand Prix

NORTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - JULY 10: Mark Webber of Australia and Red Bull Racing drives during the British Formula One Grand Prix at the Silverstone Circuit on July 10, 2011 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

Mark Thompson/Getty Images

It would surely be a riot if the British Broadcasting Corporation didn't show the British Grand Prix, as 2011's race was one of the best this season.

Sepang International Circuit: The Malaysian Grand Prix

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - APRIL 03: Jarno Trulli of Italy and Lotus drives during qualifying for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit on April 3, 2010 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

With its unpredictable weather conditions, the Malaysian Grand Prix always provides exciting racing. The early broadcast time may put the BBC off, however.

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve: The Canadian Grand Prix

MONTREAL, CANADA - JUNE 12: Michael Schumacher (L) of Germany and Mercedes GP and Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and McLaren drive side by side during the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 12, 2011 in Montreal, Can

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With its mix of long, fast straights and slow-speed corners, the Canadian Grand Prix provides some of the greatest overtaking opportunities in the F1 calender and provides exciting racing.

In 2005, the Canadian Grand Prix was the most watched Formula One Grand Prix in the world.