Historic investment signals a transformational future for the FIA World Rally Championship and FIA European Rally Championship
The FIA has unveiled what President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has described as the “deal of the century” for rallying, announcing a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement that promises to reshape the future of both the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship (ERC).
The agreement follows the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by French automotive technology platform Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital, marking the largest commercial deal in the history of the championships.
Designed to accelerate the global growth of rallying, the partnership will bring unprecedented investment into the sport while strengthening its commercial appeal, enhancing fan engagement and supporting long-term sustainability.
At the heart of the agreement is a shared commitment to expanding the championships’ international reach through stronger storytelling, wider distribution and innovative multi-platform content that will bring fans closer to the action than ever before.
The FIA will also benefit from significantly greater global visibility, with enhanced branding across international rally events and worldwide broadcasts. Meanwhile, a newly established FIA Growth Fund will channel investment into rally development initiatives, supporting everyone from grassroots competitors to elite championship teams.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the sport as preparations continue for the introduction of the new WRC27 technical regulations. Scheduled to take effect in 2027, the regulations aim to make rallying safer, more competitive and more cost-effective, creating a stronger platform for manufacturers, teams and future talent.
Leading the new promoter organisation is newly appointed CEO Éric Boullier, one of motorsport’s most experienced executives, who will oversee an ambitious strategy focused on growing audiences, strengthening commercial partnerships and enhancing the overall fan experience.
“This is truly the deal of the century for rallying,” said FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. “It represents a transformational step for the sport, delivering unprecedented levels of investment while creating lasting benefits for fans, competitors, organisers and our Member Clubs around the world.”
Ben Sulayem added that the agreement secures not only the right commercial partner for today, but one that shares the FIA’s long-term vision for the future of rallying.
Having built much of his own motorsport career in rally competition, the FIA President described the agreement as particularly significant on a personal level, reaffirming his commitment to ensuring the continued growth and success of the discipline.
FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson OBE, whose own career spans more than four decades in the World Rally Championship, echoed the significance of the announcement.
“I have never seen investment on this scale in rallying,” he said. “This partnership recognises both the enormous potential of the championship and the responsibility of preserving its heritage while building for the future.”
Wilson noted that the combination of the WRC27 regulations, the FIA Growth Fund and the new commercial partnership presents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the championship, broaden its international audience and create a sustainable future for rallying at every level.
With substantial financial backing, fresh leadership and a clear strategic vision, the agreement marks the beginning of what promises to be one of the most significant chapters in the history of international rallying—one focused on innovation, accessibility and sustained global growth.
