The FIA has revealed the agreement for the incorporation of a new holder of commercial rights for the World Rally Championship (WRC) and the European Rally Championship (ERC). This transaction marks a significant moment in the history of these competitions.
The parties responsible for the new agreement, which includes the French company Cosmobilis and the investment fund Park Square Capital, have acquired WRC Promoter GmbH. The FIA has described this agreement as the most important in the history of these championships.
Cosmobilis, under the leadership of Eric Boullier, former team chief of F1 teams like Lotus and McLaren, will become the new CEO of WRC Promoter. The FIA has emphasized that this deal will bring significant investment to the rally world, strengthening its motor racing heritage over the coming years.
The need to change the WRC promoter had been anticipated, as the previous holder, WRC Promoter, dominant in the market since 2013, had been in negotiations for a sale since last year for a future restructuring.
After a bidding process that attracted numerous interested parties from around the world, the FIA has recently concluded this agreement. Although the hard-negotiated agreement was completed in the final stretch of this period, it will allow for continued progress towards a new era marked by innovative technical regulations that will be implemented next year.
The new holders of the commercial rights have formalized a long-term contract, although its specific duration has not been specified. With this transition, the FIA expects to imminently define the calendar and sports regulations for 2027.
The president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, has expressed his enthusiasm for the new agreement, considering it a transformative step that will bring real benefits to fans, competitors, and clubs worldwide. He emphasizes confidence in the future of rallying as its global popularity continues to grow.
The new investors have launched ambitious plans to enhance both the WRC and the ERC, placing fans at the center of their strategy. Additionally, the creation of a new FIA Growth Fund for projects that promote the development of rallying worldwide has been announced.
Jean-Louis Mosca, president and CEO of Cosmobilis, has highlighted the significant step this acquisition represents for the company, intending to build an international platform that connects manufacturers, media, and fans.
The new management team, led by Boullier, has expressed its commitment to make each event a spectacular and exciting occasion for all fans. The goal is to establish the WRC and ERC as global reference brands in the motor world, aligned with current technological and environmental demands.
Reported by FormulaRapidaAI
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