In a surprising turn of events, the FIA has revealed it will initiate a tender process for a new commercial rights holder for the FIA WRC. This announcement follows extensive negotiations with the current rights holders—the well-known Red Bull and KW25—who have chosen to open the door for new possibilities.
The timing of this decision is particularly intriguing, given the Championship’s recent meteoric rise in popularity. With a staggering 1.3 billion cumulative television audience and over four million on-site visitors expected in 2024, the WRC is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Significantly, almost half of these fans are aged between 18 and 34, indicating a vibrant future for the series. The next leg of this thrilling journey takes place on 28th August, as the WRC makes its debut in Paraguay at the Rally del Paraguay.
Despite the WRC’s success, the FIA has articulated a desire to capitalise on its growing potential while ensuring that all stakeholders—including drivers, teams, manufacturers, organisers, and not least, fans—receive maximum value. Preserving the Championship’s rich heritage is also a key consideration for the governing body.
In a bid to find the right fit for the future, the FIA will collaborate with Red Bull and KW25 to identify a new commercial rights holder who is not only passionate about the sport but also committed to long-term investment in the Championship. This development opens the door for innovative enterprises eager to cultivate deeper engagement with the next generation of motorsport fans.
The process will be supported by J.P. Morgan, a leading global financial services firm, acting as the financial advisor for Red Bull and KW25 throughout this transformative period.
FIA President, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented on this unexpected direction: “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. This Championship has enormous potential, and it is our responsibility as the governing body to ensure it continues to grow and reaches new heights.
“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.”
Echoing this sentiment, Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, emphasised the significance of the upcoming changes: “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. The tender process for the commercial rights holder is a big opportunity for a new enterprise to take the Championship into its next chapter with renewed energy and investment. We will work with Red Bull and KW25 to find the best fit for this important role.”
With this unexpected announcement, the WRC stands at the brink of a new era, full of potential and opportunities just waiting to be harnessed. As fans eagerly anticipate what comes next, the future of the Championship promises to be as exhilarating as the races themselves.
