Movistar plus+ pulls the plug on garage tv: what it means for motor racing fans
Motor racing enthusiasts in Spain are facing a significant shake-up as Movistar Plus+ has officially discontinued Garage TV, a dedicated channel focused on all things automotive and motorsport. The curtain fell at midnight on March 31, 2026, leaving subscribers wondering about the future of specialized content within the platform.
A sudden departure amidst expansion
The move arrives as something of a paradox. Just days prior, Movistar Plus+ announced the impending launch of both a new HD channel and another high-definition offering. This abrupt cessation of Garage TV’s broadcasts, however, throws a wrench into those plans, leaving subscribers with a diminished selection of specialized channels. The channel, a fixture on dial 83, provided a 24-hour stream of motorsport content, ranging from Formula 1 and MotoGP coverage to weekly programs and monthly specials.
What triggered this decision remains unclear, though the official Movistar Plus+ community forums indicate the operator is conducting internal checks. The timing is particularly noteworthy, coming after a recent channel reorganization in February, which shifted Garage TV from dial 79 to its now-abandoned spot on 83. The screen currently displays a simple “End of Broadcast” message.
While the channel’s terrestrial feed has vanished, a lifeline remains. Garage TV’s website continues to operate, offering access to full programs and a wealth of content for those who wish to continue following the world of motorsports. However, this shift away from the Movistar Plus+ platform represents a significant change for subscribers accustomed to readily accessible, bundled content.
Interestingly, the disappearance of Garage TV seems to extend beyond Movistar Plus+. Digi TV, Telecable Euskaltel R, and other providers have also appeared to remove the channel from their listings—suggesting a broader, potentially company-wide decision rather than a localized move by Movistar Plus+. Only Telecable currently lists it on their website, likely due to an outdated online catalog.
This isn't just about losing a channel; it reflects a wider restructuring within Spain's pay-TV landscape. As Daniel Caballero, a specialist in telecom operators, notes, this move underscores the ongoing evolution of content delivery and subscription models. The question now is: will Movistar Plus+ replace Garage TV with another motorsport-focused offering, or does this signal a broader shift away from niche programming?
The future of specialized channels in Spanish pay-TV is uncertain. This sudden disappearance of Garage TV highlights the fragility of even established programming, and serves as a stark reminder to viewers that their favorite channels can vanish as quickly as they appear.