A 25-year deal for the WRC? The FIA is looking for a long-term partner rather than short-term investment deals – the decision is now imminent.
The search for a new owner of the commercial rights for the World Rally Championship (WRC) is entering the home stretch. As Malcolm Wilson, FIA Vice President, confirmed at the season opener in Monte Carlo, a deal is imminent. An official announcement is expected within the next two months.
The future of WRC marketing has been a key topic in the paddock since last year. After reports emerged that the previous WRC Promoter GmbH (a joint venture between Red Bull and the investment company KW25) was seeking a sale, the FIA launched an official tender process in August 2025. The current rights holders have been running the World Championship since 2013. According to information from the English-language edition of Motorsport.com, there were initially interested parties from Europe, America, and the Middle East. In the meantime, the circle of applicants has narrowed significantly. A due diligence process is currently underway with a potential buyer based in Europe.
Long-term vision instead of a quick exit
FIA President Mohammed bin Sulayem had previously emphasized that the new contract could have a term of up to 25 years. The proceeds from the sale of the rights are also to be reinvested directly into the championship. Malcolm Wilson emphasized in a media roundtable that the company had specifically sought a partner with long-term intentions. “We are very close and expect confirmation within the next few months. It has been a long process and a massive challenge,” Wilson explained. “Many of the interested parties were investment houses looking to exit after five or seven years. That’s lucrative for them, but for me it was important to find someone with a long-term vision and commitment to the WRC in order to bring the sport back to where I believe it needs to be.”
Close cooperation with the FIA required
A key criterion for the new rights holder will be geographical and strategic proximity to the world governing body. Wilson emphasized that the future promoter must work closely with the FIA headquarters in Geneva to drive the growth of the series.
“We need someone who is very close to Geneva or even based directly at the FIA in the initial phase,” Wilson continued. “We need to work together to grow the sport. The new partner will bring fresh ideas, and we need to be open to that.” He expressed confidence that the deal could be finalized soon, but urged patience until the contracts are actually signed.
