The World Rally Championship will name its new commercial rights holder within three weeks, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem announced, signalling the end of the current WRC Promoter contract that runs through 2029.
FIA sets timetable for WRC commercial rights handover
Ben Sulayem clarified that the selection process has moved into its final phase, with a public declaration expected by the end of the month. He asserted that an agreement with a new promoter will be reached “in the coming days” and that the FIA will close the matter “within three weeks.”
Cosmobile emerges as front‑runner
Reports place French automotive group Cosmobile – headed by former Lotus and McLaren chief Eric Boullier – at the top of the shortlist. The consortium is said to be the most viable candidate to acquire the WRC’s commercial rights, according to independent analysts.
Impact on 2027 technical and sporting regulations
The timing of the new partnership is critical to the completion of the championship’s 2027 sporting rules. Until a promoter is secured, the final sporting framework remains under negotiation, which in turn delays the introduction of the new technical specification.
Financial incentives for manufacturers
Ben Sulayem highlighted that the new regulation framework will reduce cost barriers: the 2027 cars, now priced at roughly €350,000, will be lighter and run on sustainable fuels. A single team may compete for about €25‑30 million rather than the previous €70 million-plus spend for three cars, thereby creating a more accessible market for new entrants.
“If you have affordability, you are accessible,” he added, adding that the FIA intends to reinvest commercial revenue back into the sport. “We need an active promoter to grow the WRC and we will invest accordingly.”
Looking ahead: potential new era
With Toyota the only manufacturer confirmed for next season, the WRC is poised to broaden its field under the new promotional structure. Ben Sulayem expressed a goal of welcoming at least five manufacturers, and projects that the revised cost envelope will attract additional manufacturers such as Tuners Project RallyOne and RMC Motorsport, which have announced plans to develop cars for the 2027 regulations.
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