After several months of uncertainty, the World Rally Championship enters a new phase of its history: the WRC is changing era and the Frenchman Éric Boullier takes the helm of the promoter.
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While the Finland Rally is in full swing in the middle of summer, the FIA has officially approved the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis, a French automotive technology platform, and Park Square Capital, a private credit specialist.
The former manager of Lotus F1 and McLaren Racing Éric Boullier will lead this transformation by succeeding another Formula 1 figure, Red Bull Media House, until now the promoter of the world championship of road events.
“The deal of the century,” according to MBS
This operation concerns both the WRC and the European Rally Championship (ERC). According to the FIA, it aims to bring unprecedented levels of investment to accelerate the development of both disciplines, expand their global audience, and improve the experience offered to fans. The amount discussed is 250 million dollars for a period of 25 years.
The FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, himself a former rally driver, did not hide his enthusiasm: “This is truly the deal of the century for rallying. I am proud to announce this transformative step and investment levels never seen before.”
The international body promises notably a stronger FIA presence at events and broadcasts, as well as a strategy focused on more ambitious storytelling, better content distribution, and the development of new multiplatform formats to bring fans closer to the action.
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Boullier at the head of the promoter
To lead this new strategy, the new owners have entrusted the management of WRC Promoter to Éric Boullier (52 years old). A well-known figure in motorsport revealed as the manager of the DAMS team, the Frenchman notably led the Renault/Lotus GP and McLaren teams in F1 before taking charge of the French Grand Prix at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
As promoter, Boullier now intends to give a new dimension to the WRC and the ERC: “ I take on this challenge with enthusiasm and determination, but also with humility and a strong sense of responsibility, to make these already exceptional championships even more attractive. ”
The former team principal wants to make each rally a true global event: “Alongside the FIA and our partners, we want to make each round a show capable of thrilling fans worldwide. Our goal is clear: to make the WRC and ERC reference brands on a global scale and engines of sustainable growth, in line with current technological and environmental challenges.”
With this new governance and investments announced as unprecedented, the World Rally Championship hopes to open a new chapter of its development and strengthen its place on the international stage after years of drought where only two manufacturers are truly involved (Toyota and Hyundai, Ford being represented only privately).
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