New horizons for WRC?

Rumours are swirling that the World Rally Championship (WRC) could be preparing for a significant shake-up, with reports suggesting that its commercial arm may be put up for sale later this year.

The deal is expected to carry a hefty price tag of around €500 million – a figure that underscores the growing value placed on commercial rights in the sports industry.

The ownership group, which includes the likes of Red Bull and KW 25, alongside other key shareholders, seems poised to capitalise on this lucrative market. 

A sale could not only bring a substantial financial windfall but also an opportunity to expand the sport's global reach, particularly as it continues to recover from the setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This comes at an exciting time for WRC, which has just unveiled its 2025 calendar—the most extensive since 2008. The new schedule sees the inclusion of fresh venues in Paraguay, the Canary Islands, and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant expansion of the championship’s global footprint. 

The deal with Saudi Arabia is particularly noteworthy, with the Kingdom securing a 10-year contract to host a round of the championship, further highlighting WRC's growing appeal in new markets.

While the expanded calendar is likely to be a breath of fresh air for both promoters and fans, WRC event director Simon Larkin was keen to temper expectations. In a recent interview with BlackBook Motorsport, Larkin emphasised that the sport isn’t about to embark on a reckless expansion spree. His remarks seemed to carry a subtle dig at F1 and MotoGP, both of which have been aggressively adding more locations and races to already-packed schedules. 

For WRC, which has spent the past few years somewhat out of the spotlight, this prospective sale and accompanying expansion is exciting to see, and signals a bright future for the sport, offering it the growth and recognition it richly deserves.