FIA Ushers in a New Era for World Rallying with Landmark Commercial Rights Agreement for WRC and ERC
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has unveiled one of the most significant developments in the history of international rallying, announcing 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 acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by French automotive technology and mobility platform Cosmobilis, together with investment firm Park Square Capital, marking what FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has described as the “deal of the century” for rallying.
The agreement represents the largest commercial transaction ever completed for the WRC and ERC and is expected to transform the future of the championships through unprecedented investment, innovative commercial strategies, enhanced fan engagement, and long-term growth initiatives. With a renewed focus on accessibility, sustainability, and global expansion, the partnership signals the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for rallying at both the elite and grassroots levels.
A Historic Milestone for International Rallying
For decades, the FIA World Rally Championship has stood among the world’s most prestigious motorsport competitions, testing manufacturers and drivers across some of the most demanding terrains on the planet. Alongside it, the FIA European Rally Championship has served as a vital proving ground for emerging talent and iconic rally events across Europe.
The newly announced commercial rights agreement seeks to build upon these strong foundations by providing substantial financial backing and strategic leadership that will elevate both championships to new heights.
According to the FIA, this long-term partnership aligns perfectly with its strategic vision under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Rather than focusing solely on commercial success, the agreement aims to create sustainable growth that benefits every stakeholder involved in rallying—from manufacturers and teams to organizers, fans, national sporting authorities, and FIA Member Clubs worldwide.
Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital Take the Helm
The announcement follows the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
Cosmobilis has rapidly emerged as a leading automotive technology and mobility services platform, connecting multiple sectors of the automotive industry through digital innovation, technology solutions, and integrated business platforms. The company sees rallying not merely as a motorsport championship but as a global platform capable of linking manufacturers, technology providers, sponsors, media organizations, and millions of passionate fans.
Joining Cosmobilis is Park Square Capital, an international private credit investment firm that will provide both financial resources and long-term strategic expertise to accelerate the championships’ commercial growth.
Together, the two organizations intend to significantly expand the international reach of both championships while modernizing how rallying is presented, consumed, and experienced by audiences around the world.
Significant Investment Across the Sport
Perhaps the most notable aspect of the agreement is the scale of investment.
FIA officials describe the transaction as the largest commercial investment ever made into the World Rally Championship and European Rally Championship.
The new funding is expected to support numerous initiatives, including:
- Expansion into new international markets
- Improved television and digital broadcasting
- Enhanced fan experiences
- Stronger commercial partnerships
- Greater manufacturer participation
- Increased promotional activities
- Investment in grassroots rallying
- Support for national rally championships
The FIA believes these investments will strengthen rallying’s position within the global motorsport landscape while ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.
Delivering Value for Every Stakeholder
One of the central objectives of the agreement is ensuring that the benefits extend beyond commercial partners.
The FIA emphasized that the partnership has been designed specifically with the rallying community in mind.
Expected beneficiaries include:
Fans
Supporters will experience richer storytelling, improved live coverage, expanded digital content, behind-the-scenes access, and innovative multimedia experiences that bring them closer to the action than ever before.
Competitors
Drivers and teams will benefit from stronger championship promotion, greater commercial opportunities, increased prize potential, and improved global visibility.
Event Organizers
Rally organizers are expected to receive greater promotional support, enhanced event presentation, stronger commercial activation, and improved audience engagement strategies.
FIA Member Clubs
National sporting authorities and FIA Member Clubs will benefit from expanded development programs and greater investment in local rally ecosystems.
Rallying Becomes More Accessible
Accessibility has become a central theme of the new commercial strategy.
The FIA and its new commercial partners aim to remove barriers preventing new audiences from discovering rallying.
This includes making championship content easier to access across multiple digital platforms while introducing new ways for fans to engage before, during, and after each rally event.
Modern audiences increasingly consume sports through streaming services, social media, mobile applications, podcasts, short-form videos, and interactive digital experiences.
Recognizing this shift, the new promoter intends to modernize rally broadcasting while preserving the sport’s unique identity.
Stronger Global Fan Engagement
Growing rallying’s worldwide audience remains one of the partnership’s highest priorities.
The commercial strategy focuses heavily on:
- Multi-platform digital content
- Improved storytelling
- Enhanced television production
- Expanded streaming services
- Social media innovation
- Fan-focused programming
- Behind-the-scenes access
- Interactive digital experiences
Rather than simply broadcasting rally stages, future coverage aims to immerse audiences in the personalities, rivalries, technologies, engineering innovations, and dramatic stories that define the championship.
FIA Brand Visibility Set to Increase
As part of the agreement, the FIA itself will receive substantially increased global exposure.
The governing body’s branding will become more prominent throughout championship events, television broadcasts, digital media, promotional campaigns, and commercial partnerships.
This increased visibility reflects the FIA’s continuing leadership role in governing international motorsport while reinforcing its reputation among global audiences.
Preparing for WRC27
The commercial announcement arrives at a particularly important moment for the championship.
The World Rally Championship is preparing for the introduction of its next-generation technical regulations, commonly referred to as WRC27.
Scheduled to take effect in 2027, the new regulations have been developed with several key objectives:
- Lower competition costs
- Increased manufacturer participation
- Enhanced safety standards
- Greater competitive balance
- Improved technical innovation
- Sustainable long-term growth
The FIA believes these regulations will make rallying more affordable while maintaining the high-performance standards expected at the pinnacle of the sport.
Launch of the FIA Growth Fund
Complementing the commercial agreement is the creation of an entirely new FIA Growth Fund.
The initiative is designed to finance projects that encourage participation and development throughout the rallying ecosystem.
Investment from the Growth Fund will support:
- Grassroots rally programs
- Driver development
- Young talent initiatives
- National championship growth
- Event development
- Community engagement
- Innovation projects
- Long-term sustainability initiatives
Rather than concentrating investment exclusively at the professional level, the FIA intends for growth to occur across every tier of the sport.
A New Leadership Team
To execute its ambitious vision, the new ownership group has assembled an experienced management team led by newly appointed CEO Éric Boullier.
Boullier brings decades of international motorsport experience, having held senior leadership positions across multiple premier racing categories.
His appointment signals the promoter’s intention to combine commercial innovation with deep motorsport expertise.
The leadership team will work closely with the FIA to ensure commercial growth complements sporting integrity.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem: A Defining Moment
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the agreement as one of the most important achievements during his presidency.
Having built his own reputation through rally competition, Ben Sulayem emphasized that rallying holds deep personal significance.
He stated that the partnership represents unprecedented investment into the championships while demonstrating confidence in rallying’s future.
According to the FIA President, every aspect of the agreement was designed to secure a partner capable of supporting long-term growth rather than delivering only short-term commercial returns.
He also praised FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson and his negotiating team for successfully completing the landmark transaction.
Malcolm Wilson Highlights Rallying’s Future
FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson, whose career spans more than four decades in rallying, emphasized the historic nature of the investment.
Having competed, managed teams, and contributed to the championship’s development throughout his career, Wilson described the agreement as unlike anything he has witnessed in the sport.
He explained that the FIA sought partners who understood not only the commercial opportunities surrounding rallying but also its traditions, values, and unique identity.
Wilson believes the combination of new investment, WRC27 regulations, and the FIA Growth Fund creates a powerful platform for sustainable expansion.
Cosmobilis Sees Strategic Opportunity
Jean-Louis Mosca, Chairman and CEO of Cosmobilis, described the acquisition as a transformational milestone for his company.
He explained that Cosmobilis has spent years building a connected automotive ecosystem centered on technology, innovation, and data-driven services.
The addition of the WRC and ERC significantly accelerates that vision.
Mosca noted that the company is acquiring more than commercial rights to motorsport championships—it is creating a global platform where manufacturers, media organizations, technology companies, sponsors, and fans interact.
His long-term objective is to establish the World Rally Championship as one of the world’s premier global motorsport brands while creating sustainable commercial value throughout the broader automotive ecosystem.
Park Square Capital Commits Long-Term Support
Park Square Capital also expressed confidence in the championships’ long-term potential.
Partner Martino Ghezzi highlighted the WRC and ERC’s rich heritage, international recognition, and loyal fan base as major strengths.
He said the investment firm intends to provide both capital and strategic guidance as the championships pursue ambitious growth objectives.
Ghezzi also praised Cosmobilis’ automotive expertise and expressed confidence that CEO Éric Boullier possesses the leadership experience necessary to guide the championships into their next phase.
Éric Boullier Sets Out His Vision
Newly appointed CEO Éric Boullier outlined an ambitious vision focused on strengthening the global appeal of rallying.
He emphasized that his leadership approach combines enthusiasm with humility and recognizes the responsibility associated with managing two iconic championships.
Boullier wants every championship round to become a world-class sporting spectacle capable of captivating audiences across multiple continents.
His strategic priorities include:
- Stronger fan engagement
- Improved event presentation
- Enhanced commercial partnerships
- Sustainable growth
- Greater technological innovation
- Environmental responsibility
- Expanded international recognition
He also stressed the importance of ensuring rallying remains aligned with modern technological and environmental expectations while preserving its unique competitive spirit.
The agreement marks a defining moment in the evolution of rallying. As motorsport continues to adapt to changing audience expectations, technological advances, and new commercial realities, the FIA believes this partnership provides the financial strength and strategic direction required for long-term success.
With significant investment, experienced leadership, a renewed commercial strategy, forthcoming WRC27 regulations, and a dedicated FIA Growth Fund, both the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rally Championship are positioned to enter one of the most exciting periods in their history.
For competitors, organizers, manufacturers, sponsors, broadcasters, and millions of rally fans worldwide, the announcement signals more than a change in commercial ownership—it represents the beginning of a bold new era designed to secure the future of rallying for decades to come.
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