Confirmed
WRC commercial rights transfer to new ownership group
The commercial rights for the World Rally Championship are transferring to a new ownership group comprising Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
The commercial rights to the World Rally Championship (WRC) and European Rally Championship (ERC) are transferring to a new ownership group, marking a significant development for the championships' commercial future. The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced a long-term agreement on July 31, under which these rights will move to a consortium formed by French automotive technology group Cosmobilis and investment firm Park Square Capital. This change has been anticipated within the rallying community, particularly as the WRC prepares for substantial technical regulation changes in 2027.
New Leadership for WRC Promotion
Former Formula 1 executive Éric Boullier will assume the role of chief executive for the new organization. His appointment signifies a dedicated effort to enhance the commercial viability and global reach of both the WRC and ERC. The incoming promoter faces the crucial task of building a more robust commercial future for the championship, aligning with ongoing technical evolutions to attract new audiences and partners. This strategic leadership is expected to introduce fresh perspectives and accelerate growth for the sport.
Manufacturer Endorsement and Future Vision
Hyundai's Sporting Director, Andrew Wheatley, has welcomed this development. He stated that the decision represents a strong commitment to the future of the WRC, offering clarity to manufacturers. Hyundai has been a consistent presence in the WRC’s top category since 2014, and Wheatley emphasized the importance of collaborating with the new promoter to shape the championship's direction. According to Wheatley, initial discussions with the new ownership group have already occurred, extending beyond immediate concerns to encompass a five-year strategic outlook, according to RallyJournal.
Wheatley articulated Hyundai's belief in the championship's substantial untapped potential, underscoring the need for close cooperation to maximize this. He noted that the discussions have presented numerous future opportunities, indicating a long-term vision rather than a short-term focus, according to RallyJournal. This forward-looking approach from the new promoter is seen as a positive sign by major teams, addressing concerns that have surfaced regarding the WRC's trajectory in recent years. Toyota's Kalle Rovanperä, a dominant Finnish force in the WRC, and his countryman Esapekka Lappi, currently 6th and 25th in the WRC drivers' standings respectively, will undoubtedly be watching these developments with interest as their careers unfold within this evolving landscape.
Addressing Past Concerns
The World Rally Championship has faced several challenges recently, including a limited number of manufacturer entries and debates surrounding technical regulations. These issues, alongside the championship's commercial development, have fueled discussions about its long-term health. The new ownership group is expected to tackle these concerns head-on, leveraging their combined expertise in technology and investment to revitalize the sport. The transfer of commercial rights during Rally Finland underscored the importance of this announcement to the entire WRC community. This development is entirely separate from the next Formula 1 round, the Dutch GP, scheduled for August 21, and has no direct bearing on Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas's season, where he currently sits 21st in the drivers' championship with 0 points.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Confirmed, which means the people involved have said this on the record. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Sanni Koskela.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
- RallyJournalrallyjournal.com
