FIA World Rally Championship Seeks New Commercial Rights Holder For Growth

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has initiated a tender process to find a new commercial rights holder for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) as the current agreement concludes this season in Saudi Arabia. This move comes after lengthy discussions with Red Bull and KW25, who currently hold these rights.

The decision to open the tender process underscores the FIA's commitment to bolstering the WRC's future growth. With an eye on the burgeoning popularity of the Championship, which has witnessed a cumulative television audience of 1.3 billion and over 4 million on-site attendees in 2024, the FIA aims to capitalize on this momentum. Notably, a significant portion of these live spectators are young adults between 18-34 years, highlighting the Championship's appeal to newer, younger audiences.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed enthusiasm about the Championship's trajectory, stating, "The FIA World Rally Championship is at an exciting moment in its history. Millions of fans around the world are following the action, and new, younger audiences are driving its global growth."

He emphasised the FIA's duty to amplify the Championship's reach and ensure its sustained growth. "This process is an important step and will shape the long-term vision for the WRC, and I am confident that, together with the right partner, we can take the championship to the next level, preserve its proud heritage, and grow its global reach for generations of fans to come."

In pursuit of a suitable successor to Red Bull and KW25, the FIA, alongside the current rights holders, is keen on securing a partner dedicated to the Championship's long-term prosperity. The new commercial rights holder will be tasked with expanding the WRC's global fan base, especially among the younger demographic, and enhancing the Championship's overall value.

The FIA's dedication to preserving the WRC's rich legacy while seeking avenues for growth is evident in its collaboration with J.P. Morgan. The global financial firm will offer its expertise to Red Bull and KW25 throughout the tendering process, ensuring a smooth transition to a new commercial partner.

Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, also highlighted the Championship's unique position in the motorsport world, "The FIA World Rally Championship is the longest-running motorsport series of its kind, one of the most thrilling competitions in the world, with a unique heritage and an exciting growth trajectory ahead."

He sees the tender process as a chance to infuse the WRC with fresh energy and investment, promising to work closely with Red Bull and KW25 to identify a new commercial rights holder capable of elevating the Championship to new heights.

As the Championship gears up for its next round in Rally del Paraguay on 28th August and culminates in the debut WRC Rally Saudi Arabia in Jeddah from 26 – 29 November, the FIA's efforts to secure a bright future for the WRC are in full swing. This initiative not only aims to enhance the Championship's legacy but also to ensure its sustainability and appeal to a broad spectrum of fans worldwide.