DUBAI - After years of being available only on subscription networks in the MENA region, the FIA Formula One World Championship will finally go free to air on MBC network, the Dubai-based group announced on Friday.

As part of the agreement with the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), MBC Action will broadcast the annual event from 2019 to 2023.

According to the statement, this is the first time the world’s biggest motorsport event will be available on a free-to-air network in the region following years of being available only on subscription networks.

This year’s season will start on Friday (March 15), with the Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2019 in Melbourne, followed by the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2019 from March 29 to April 3.

The final event of the season, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019, will take place Nov.29 to Dec.1. SG