Over half a billion people worldwide tuned in to Formula One action on their televisions over the course of 2010, figures released by Formula One Management (FOM) reveal. A thrilling climax to a nail-biting season was attributed to the increase in the viewership to some 527 million individuals, with over 16,000 hours of coverage having been shown in 187 countries during the season.

FOM said there was growth in nine of the 11 largest TV markets, while the European market performed particularly strongly with many broadcasters reporting their highest race audiences in many seasons.

“Whilst 2010 has delivered some great things, 2011 promises even more as Formula One seeks to build upon the foundations laid in our emerging markets and enthral our audiences across the world,” commented FOM CEO, Bernie Ecclestone.

Formula One will be broadcast in high definition (HD) for the first time in 2011, with the championship kicking off in Bahrain on March 13th, less than seven weeks away.