French automotive group Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital have secured commercial rights to motor racing’s World Rally Championships (WRC) and European Rally Championships (ERC) in a landmark deal with the sport’s FIA governing body.
The long-term agreement comes after the pair acquired Munich-based WRC Promoter, which has held commercial rights to the WRC since 2013.
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Eric Boullier, former Lotus and McLaren Formula 1 team boss, will now serve as WRC Promoter’s chief executive, overseeing efforts to strengthen the commercial profile of both championships.
Park Square Capital, which manages more than $22 billion on behalf of investors, will provide capital and strategic support to the two competitions.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “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.
“Not only will it deliver real benefits to fans, competitors and our member clubs worldwide, but this investment signifies confidence in the future of our sport as its global popularity continues to grow.
“The future of our championships is at the heart of every decision we make, and we have ensured that we not only secure the right partner for today, but one who shares our long-term vision.”
A change in the promoter of WRC has long been anticipated since reports first emerged that previous owners of WRC Promoter – energy drinks giant Red Bull and German investment company KW25 – were looking to sell the company in 2024.
The FIA then launched a tender process last August to secure a new commercial rights holder for the WRC after “an extensive period of discussions” with Red Bull and KW25, a process that attracted interest from Europe, America, and the Middle East.
The WRC currently features a 14-round calendar spanning four continents, and the new owners of WRC Promoter have ambitious plans to grow the sport’s audience and deepen fan engagement.
The deal is seen as key for WRC to enter its next commercial era in 2027 with the introduction of next-generation technical regulations, providing the new owners with an opportunity to capitalize on renewed interest in the series.
As part of the agreement, a new FIA Growth Fund has been launched to support projects that boost rallying worldwide, from grassroots participation to the top-tier competition.
Boullier added: “I take on this challenge with enthusiasm and determination, but also with humility and a strong sense of responsibility – to make these exceptional championships even more compelling.
“Alongside the FIA and our partners, we want to make every round a spectacular event, designed to thrill fans around the world.
“The goal is clear: to establish the WRC and ERC as world-class global brands and a driver of sustainable growth, closely aligned with today’s technological and environmental challenges.”
The WRC has grown its reach in recent years, securing a global TV audience of 1.3 billion in 2025 via 50 broadcast partners, with the cumulative audience for primary TV coverage increasing by 17%.
Overall, WRC viewing hours rose by 16 per cent year on year, with particularly strong growth in South and Central America (up 95 per cent), on the back of introducing the Ueno Rally del Paraguay alongside Rally Chile Bio Bío.
Meanwhile, social media views climbed 72% to 1.3 billion, while TikTok engagements increased by 92% and Facebook impressions rose 61%.
Across the season, WRC’s owned channels also reached over 9.7 million followers, a 15% increase.
