The World Rally Championship (WRC) has entered a new phase with the official acquisition of the commercial rights by the French automotive company Cosmobilis and private investor Park Square Capital. This agreement, considered the most important in the history of rallying, establishes a long-term alliance expected to last around 25 years.
After months of negotiations, the new CEO of WRC Promoter will be Eric Boullier, former head of the Lotus and McLaren teams in Formula 1. The FIA has highlighted that this agreement will involve a significant investment in the championship, aiming to strengthen its presence and appeal worldwide.
This new vision for the WRC will be revealed at the upcoming Rally Paraguay, a key moment for the changes that will be introduced next year with the new technical regulations. The finalization of a calendar for 2027 and the sports regulations is also now anticipated with a new holder of the commercial rights.
Drivers have received this news with optimism, after years of debate about the promotion of the WRC. Thierry Neuville, Hyundai driver, has expressed his desire to collaborate with the new leadership to regain the glory of the category. ‘We have waited a long time for this news. I hope we can work together to bring the championship to its rightful place,’ Neuville commented.
The new agreement also arrives at a crucial time, as significant regulatory changes are being prepared for the WRC in 2027. The eight-time world champion, Sébastien Ogier, has emphasized the importance of this new phase and the need for a renewed approach to revitalize the championship: ‘We have the potential, and it’s great to have a new team with fresh ideas to take the WRC where it belongs.’
The novice WRC1 driver, Jon Armstrong, has also shared his enthusiasm for the new initiatives that the new owners could bring. ‘It’s promising. I don’t know the new leadership too well, but I think they can bring a different angle to the motorsport world,’ Armstrong stated.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
