With just a month before its 2013 season is due to start, Australia's V8 Supercars has finally confirmed a new domestic broadcast deal.The Seven Network has signed a two-year contract, ensuring the series remains live on free-to-air television 'in all metropolitan and regional markets'. No financial details were immediately available.Series officials had originally sought a longer-term deal but were forced to reevaluate when it became clear the rights market was not conducive to such a deal.This is an excellent outcome for the sport and fans," said V8 Supercars chief executive David Malone (pictured), the former Fox executive who was hired in part for his knowledge of the Australian broadcast rights market.The extension gives great continuity heading into a very exciting 2013 season. Seven has been a great partner and we look forward to their ongoing commitment to the highest level of coverage and promotion.

Tim Worner, chief executive of television for the Seven Network, added: "We're pleased to extend our partnership with V8 Supercars. Seven is looking forward to continuing to work with V8 Supercars to build on the sport's success across our media platforms."He added: We have a deep connection with the sport - in particular the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 which Seven first broadcast in 1963. We're ready for the launch of our new agreement and with V8 Supercars we're looking forward to this year's championship."Although Seven Network has acquired the rights, V8 Supercars will continue to produce its own broadcast coverage in 2013, as it has for the past six seasons.V8 Supercars is well placed for the future, Malone concluded. The certainty of a substantial television package for the next two years enables us to move forward with great clarity.

Source: SportsPro