Motorsport

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Saturday June 16,
British Eurosport 1 2pm
(and British Eurosport 2 from 7pm)

Two-time winner Allan McNish talks us through a drivers’ day at the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans, which takes place this weekend

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From Saturday May 26, highlights on ITV4

Even in these days of crumple zones, roll bars and run-off areas, there remains an island untouched by the heavily gloved hand of health and safety. When Sir Stirling Moss says you need “big balls” to take part in an event and Dario Franchitti gives his “ultimate respect” to anyone who takes part, you know it’s a serious challenge, and a seriously dangerous one.

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Sunday May 27,
Sky Sports 4 5pm

While the twists and turns of Monte Carlo are considered the jewel in motorsport’s European crown, it’s a very different story across the Atlantic, where the pinnacle of the sport has always been something more guttural, more frantic than Formula 1’s harbourside procession.

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Sunday, 1pm,
Sky Sports F1 and BBC1

Roaring through the streets of majestic Monte Carlo, the Monaco Grand Prix remains the jewel in Formula 1’s ever-expanding crown. Cars fly through the harbour area of the principality, inches from barriers, mere feet from landmarks. “It’s an absolute assault on the senses,” says Sky Sports F1 pit-lane reporter Natalie Pinkham.

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Sunday April 1,
San Marino,
British Eurosport 2 2pm

There’s a feast of motorcycle action coming up, starting with the second round of World Superbikes from Imola this weekend. Defending champ Carlos Checa was forced to retire in Race 1, but recovered to seal victory in the second race in Australia.

Italian Max Biaggi was the hero, though – he deservedly tops the early standings after winning the first race, and recovering from last place to finish second in race two.

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New year, new rules

The biggest change for 2012, beginning with this weekend's Australian GP, is the ban on off-throttle blown diffusers, which were a big talking point early last season. They enabled the cars to blow exhaust gases through the engine even when the car was off-throttle, boosting rear downforce to improve cornering performance.

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All times GMT. BBC has live coverage of 10 races and extended highlights of others will air at 5.30pm for European races and 2pm for early-morning races. Sky Sports will have full live coverage of all races on Sky Sports F1 channel 408

March 18, 6am
Australian GP, Melbourne,
Live on Sky, BBC highlights

March 25, 9am
Malaysian GP, Sepang,
Live on Sky, BBC highlights