From a press release issued by FGSport Group:

GlobeCast to Provide International Satellite Distribution for 2005 Superbike World Championship

GlobeCast SNG teams to bring exciting coverage of Superbike competition from racetracks around the world to viewers on five continents and 170 countries.

Paris/London, 17 February 2005 – GlobeCast, one of the world’s leading satellite services companies, will provide international satellite distribution of the 2005 Superbike World Championship from February to October following a deal with rights-holder FGSPORT.

GlobeCast’s Satellite Newsgathering teams (SNGs) and flyaways will be present at each race to deliver more than 200 hours of exciting race coverage, pre-race trials, interviews and race analysis to millions of viewers across five continents and 170 countries, as thirty world-class riders compete for the championship title. A wide list of broadcasters has already signed up to receive GlobeCast’s feed.

The races will take place each weekend from February through October at locations in Europe, the Middle East and Australia. The first race takes place on 26 February at the new Losail circuit in Qatar Doha. On 3 April, the championship moves to Phillip Island, Australia followed by ten remaining races at different European locations including the UK, San Marino, Germany and France.

GlobeCast is providing FGSPORT with transmission and encryption of each feed as well as distribution on satellite platforms around the world.

GlobeCast’s in-house global satellite distribution network is ideal for such a complex multi-location championship series. The company proved itself to be a perfect transmission partner for FGSPORT, thanks to its global presence, local know-how, turnkey services, active 24/7 helpdesk and single point of contact.

For races in Europe and Qatar:
Europe, Middle East and North Africa distribution on Eutelsat W1
Asia and Oceania distribution on AsiaSat 2 in partnership with Satlink
Americas distribution on PAS-3 via GlobeCast teleport in London (Brookman’s Park)

For races in Australia:
Australia and Asia Pacific distribution on PAS-2
Americas distribution on PAS-9 via turnaround in Napa Valley, California
European distribution on Eutelsat W1 via GlobeCast teleport in London

About GlobeCast (www.globecast.com) – a subsidiary of France Telecom – is the world’s leading global satellite services company operating a global network of satellite distribution platforms for DTH and cable broadcast, enterprise media and advanced IP-based content delivery.

GlobeCast offers the complete range of satellite broadcast solutions, including TV channel distribution, secure satellite Internet delivery, webcasting, satellite newsgathering, direct-to-home distribution, sports programming backhaul, programme origination, studio production, special events mobile production and audio distribution.