Ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, which marks the start of a long European season - even longer than 2017 following the return of France and Germany to the calendar - Formula One Management has announced two initiatives aimed at making "visiting races this season even better".

In the first, Formula 1 has partnered with FanVision Entertainment to create F1 Vision which allows Grand Prix attendees to dive deeper into the event experience with a state-of-the-art handheld device.

Initially introduced to motor sport via NASCAR, FanVision subsequently made it to F1, but was suddenly dropped by Bernie Ecclestone at the end of 2012, when he opted not to renew the contract, much to fans dismay.

F1 Vision will combine the live race broadcast and replay highlights, while direct audio feeds allow the user to listen to live driver and team communications, and the Grand Prix radio broadcast. F1 Vision also taps directly into the F1 timing system, providing fans with real-time race data and statistics.

The device is a compact and powerful handheld controller, featuring a five-inch high-resolution touchscreen display, rugged exterior, kickstand for hands-free viewing, and includes earbuds for listening comfort.

Its content is delivered via FanVision Entertainment's dedicated digital transmitters, meaning the devices aren't dependent upon venue WiFi. This technology ensures a consistently high-quality interaction with the F1 Vision device from any grandstand location at the Grand Prix.

In the second initiative announced by FOM, Fanatics will become the sport's exclusive merchandise retail partner at Grand Prix weekends and online from the 2018 season onwards.

Fanatics operates more than 300 online and offline stores, including the e-commerce business for all major American professional sports leagues, (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, PGA), major media brands (NBC Sports, CBS Sports, FOX Sports) and more than 200 collegiate and professional team properties, which include several of the biggest global football clubs (Manchester United, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City among others.)

According to FOM, "Fanatics will elevate the merchandise assortment by offering a wider range of premium products from Formula 1 and the ten teams participating to the Formula 1 World Championship, and items specific to each Grand Prix.

These products, along with a wide variety of items from other top brands, will all be made available at the majority of the 21 Grand Prix this season, starting this weekend.

The new retail experience will make it easier for fans to purchase souvenirs over the course of the weekend, with additional vending locations around the circuit, as well as the enclosed Superstore location in the Fanzone. Premium storefronts will be also introduced for supporters at the Paddock Club.

All Fanatics locations will be integrated into F1's digital concierge app for fans at the circuit, called F1 Grand Prix (available free on Apple and Android app stores.) The agreement also includes an extension of Formula 1's online store partnership with Fanatics.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Red5, 10/05/2018 18:28

"I quite liked the Fanvision thing, I for one am happy to see it's return.

The merchandise is not really of such interest to me, but maybe that's because most of the current offerings are utter tat...maybe things will improve - or just get more expensive. Let's see ;-)"

FanVision returns after 5-year hiatus

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