After a five-year absence, the fan-based media platform FanVision makes a welcome return to F1 at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

One of two initiatives F1’s owners Liberty Media have brought to the 2018 season, FanVision will transform and enhance the track-side experience for all fans.

Ever focused on delivering value and a heightened sporting experience, Liberty Media is delighted to reintroduce the hand-held system to race fans. The device, utilising FanVision’s own network of on-site transmitters, will deliver a fully immersive fan experience.

FanVision will give fans access to television feeds, live commentary, direct team audio communications, and live track data, while also providing a direct line to F1's timing system.

The introduction of this service will bring fans closer to the action, irrespective of where they’re located at the track.

Developed in partnership with America’s NASCAR, FanVision has been a huge success across the pond, but while F1 fans loved the introduction of FanVision in 2012, Bernice Ecclestone canned the deal after just one year.

F1 commentators at the time suggested, the then F1 supremo, didn’t like anything he couldn’t control or own outright.

Formula One management’s digital new business manager Albert Goma said: "FanVision’s return to Formula 1 will absolutely enhance the at-event engagement level for fans of our sport." 

Goma added: “Through the partnership with FanVision, Formula 1 fans will experience real-time technologies like in-car cameras and unrestricted team communications from their Grand Prix vantage points."

The second initiative is F1’s partnership with US sports merchandise retailer Fanatics as the sport's exclusive merchandise retail partner.

With over 300 locations, Fanatics has partnered with all major US professional sports leagues, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, PGA, and NASCAR, while also servicing the retail needs on behalf of top global football teams including Manchester City, Manchester United, and Real Madrid.

FOM, in announcing the initiative, said: "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.”

The tie-up with Fanatics will make it easier for fans to purchase track and team memorabilia from multiple locations at each track, as well as online.

Liberty Media has been enhancing fan experiences in all sports they have an interest in, and F1 will continue to evolve and deliver a top-quality experience for race fans, who already pay handsomely to be involved in the world’s greatest sporting circus.