FIA Announces Landmark Commercial Rights Deal for World and European Rally Championships

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has announced what it describes as the "deal of the century" for rallying, unveiling a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).

The announcement follows the completion of the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by French automotive technology platform Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital, paving the way for unprecedented investment in the sport.

Major Investment to Transform Rallying

Described as the largest commercial agreement in the history of the two championships, the deal is expected to inject significant new investment into global rallying while strengthening the FIA's financial position and governance framework.

According to the FIA, the partnership aims to deliver long-term benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers and national member clubs by making rallying more accessible, commercially successful and globally competitive.

The agreement also includes a substantial increase in FIA branding across international rally events and broadcast platforms, further strengthening the federation's global visibility.

New FIA Growth Fund to Support Global Rally Development

A key feature of the agreement is the creation of a new FIA Growth Fund, which will finance initiatives designed to expand rallying at every level of the sport.

The fund will support grassroots participation, talent development and championship growth worldwide, ensuring investment benefits both elite competition and entry-level motorsport.

The announcement comes as the WRC prepares for the introduction of the WRC27 technical regulations, scheduled to take effect in 2027. The new regulations aim to improve safety, increase competitiveness and reduce costs for manufacturers and teams.

Fans at the Centre of Future Strategy

Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital said they intend to place fans at the heart of the championship's future development.

Plans include expanding global audiences through enhanced storytelling, wider media distribution and innovative multi-platform digital content designed to bring supporters closer to the action.

To lead the next phase of growth, the new promoter has appointed Éric Boullier as Chief Executive Officer. Boullier brings extensive experience from top-level international motorsport and will oversee the commercial development of both championships.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem Hails "Deal of the Century"

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the agreement as a transformational milestone for rallying.

"This is truly the deal of the century for rallying, and I am proud to announce this transformative step forward, with never-before-seen levels of investment," he said.

He added that the agreement reflects growing confidence in the future of rallying while ensuring the FIA has secured a long-term partner committed to developing the championships and expanding their global appeal.

Ben Sulayem also acknowledged the contribution of FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson, whose team led negotiations on the agreement.

Reflecting on his own background in rallying, the FIA President said the sport has played a defining role in his career and reaffirmed his commitment to securing its long-term success.

Malcolm Wilson Sees New Growth Opportunity

Malcolm Wilson OBE said the scale of the investment represents an unprecedented opportunity for the sport.

Having spent more than four decades in the World Rally Championship, Wilson described the agreement as the most significant investment he has witnessed in rallying.

He said the FIA sought a partner that not only recognised the championship's commercial potential but also respected its heritage and understood the responsibility of shaping its future.

Wilson added that, together with the upcoming WRC27 regulations and the newly established FIA Growth Fund, the partnership creates a strong foundation for expanding the sport's global audience while delivering long-term value for competitors, organisers and fans alike.