Dubai, UAE – July 31, 2026: The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has unveiled what it describes as the “deal of the century” for rallying, announcing a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for 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, paving the way for unprecedented investment and a new era of growth for the sport.
The agreement represents the largest commercial deal in the history of the two championships and is expected to reshape rallying through major investments in fan engagement, global expansion, governance, and long-term sustainability. It also reinforces the FIA’s strategy of strengthening its global motorsport portfolio while ensuring the sport remains competitive, accessible, and financially robust.
Under the new partnership, Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital will work alongside the FIA to expand the worldwide audience for rallying through enhanced storytelling, broader content distribution, and innovative multi-platform experiences designed to bring fans closer to the action than ever before. The FIA’s brand presence will also be significantly increased across international events and global broadcasts.
One of the most significant outcomes of the agreement is the creation of a new FIA Growth Fund, which will finance initiatives aimed at developing rallying worldwide. The fund will support projects across all levels of the sport, from grassroots participation and national rally programmes to elite international competition, helping to strengthen the future pipeline of talent and rally ecosystems globally.
The timing of the agreement is particularly significant as the FIA prepares to introduce the WRC27 regulations in 2027. The next-generation technical rules have been designed to make the championship safer, more affordable, and increasingly competitive while encouraging broader manufacturer participation and long-term sustainability.
To lead this ambitious new chapter, the promoter has appointed renowned motorsport executive Éric Boullier as Chief Executive Officer. Boullier brings extensive experience from the highest levels of international motorsport and will oversee the commercial growth and strategic development of both championships.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem described the agreement as a transformational milestone for rallying.
“This is truly the deal of the century for rallying, and I am proud to announce this transformative step forward and never-before-seen levels of investment,” he said.
He added that the agreement would deliver meaningful benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers, and FIA Member Clubs while demonstrating growing confidence in the future of rallying.
“The future of our championships is at the heart of every decision we make. We have ensured that we not only secure the right partner for today but one who shares our long-term vision. Rallying has shaped who I am, and I remain deeply committed to securing its future.”
FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson OBE, who has spent more than four decades in the World Rally Championship, called the investment unlike anything he has witnessed during his career.
“In over 40 years in the sport, I have never seen investment on this scale into rallying. This deal really is that significant,” Wilson said.
“Our priority has always been finding a partner that understands not only the championship’s enormous commercial potential but also its heritage and responsibility. With the WRC27 regulations approaching and the FIA Growth Fund supporting the sport’s development, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen rallying, grow its global audience, and secure an exciting future for generations to come.”
The landmark agreement marks the beginning of a new commercial era for both the FIA World Rally Championship and the FIA European Rally Championship. By combining significant financial investment with long-term strategic planning, the FIA and its new commercial partners aim to elevate rallying’s global profile, enhance the fan experience, and create sustainable growth opportunities across every level of the sport.
As preparations continue for the next generation of rallying under the WRC27 regulations, the new partnership is expected to play a central role in shaping one of the sport’s most ambitious periods of development, ensuring rallying remains one of the world’s premier motorsport disciplines for years to come.
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