WRC SET FOR MAJOR TRANSFORMATION AS FIA CLOSES IN ON PROMOTER DECISION

FIA PRESIDENT SAYS NEW COMMERCIAL RIGHTS HOLDER WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON

The future direction of the FIA World Rally Championship is expected to become clearer soon, with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem indicating that an announcement regarding the series’ new promoter is approaching.

The FIA launched a tender process for the WRC’s commercial rights nearly a year ago. The championship is currently managed by WRC Promoter GmbH, owned by Red Bull and investment company KW25.

Speculation has linked former Formula 1 team principal Eric Boullier to the championship’s future through an investment consortium that includes Cosmobilis Group, a company founded and owned by Boullier. While discussions have reportedly progressed positively in recent months, no official confirmation has been made.

Speaking during the 24 Hours of Le Mans event, Ben Sulayem suggested that the FIA is looking beyond a short-term solution and instead pursuing a long-term strategy for the championship.

According to the FIA president, the WRC requires a comprehensive overhaul rather than a temporary fix, which has contributed to the extended timeline of the commercial rights process.

“The WRC does not need a temporary fix but a comprehensive overhaul.”

The FIA had initially planned to award the commercial rights for a seven-year period. However, Ben Sulayem revealed that the governing body determined the proposed term was too short and is now seeking a long-term partner capable of developing the championship over a much longer timeframe.

His comments also reinforce expectations that the final agreement will exceed the originally proposed seven-year term.

Ben Sulayem additionally referenced the championship’s upcoming 2027 regulations. Current plans indicate that the WRC’s top category will feature both Rally2 cars and the new cost-capped WRC 2027 machinery.

KEY POINTS

• FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem says a decision on the WRC’s new promoter is expected soon.

• The FIA launched a tender process for the championship’s commercial rights nearly a year ago.

• WRC Promoter GmbH currently operates the championship.

• Eric Boullier has been linked to the future of the WRC through an investment consortium.

• The FIA is seeking a long-term commercial partner rather than a short-term solution.

• The final commercial rights agreement is expected to run longer than the originally planned seven years.

• New WRC regulations are scheduled to be introduced in 2027.

• Current plans include Rally2 cars and new cost-capped WRC 2027 cars competing in the top category.