The FIA, the global governing body of motorsports, has announced that a tender process will be run to secure a new commercial rights holder for the World Rally Championship (WRC) motor racing series.

The federation said this follows “an extensive period of discussions” with Red Bull and KW25, the current commercial rightsholders of the WRC, who have decided to commence the process.

The FIA will work with Red Bull and KW25 to seek a new partner that is “committed to long-term investment in the championship and to securing the best possible future for WRC.”

J.P. Morgan, the global financial services company, will be acting as financial advisor to Red Bull and KW25, supporting them through the tender process.

The WRC has grown its reach in recent years, with a 1.3 billion cumulative television audience in 2024. The next round of the championship is on August 28 at the Rally del Paraguay, which is making its debut as a host country this year.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA president, said: "The FIA World Rally Championship is at an exciting moment in its history. Millions of fans around the world are following the action, and new, younger audiences are driving its global growth. This championship has enormous potential, and it is our responsibility as governing body to ensure it continues to grow and reaches new heights. 
 
"This process is an important step and will shape the long-term vision for the WRC, and I am confident that, together with the right partner, we can take the championship to the next level, preserve its proud heritage, and grow its global reach for generations of fans to come.”

Malcolm Wilson, FIA deputy president for sport, added: “The FIA World Rally Championship, is the longest-running motorsport series of its kind, one of the most thrilling competitions in the world, with a unique heritage and an exciting growth trajectory ahead.

“The tender process for the commercial rights holder is a big opportunity for a new enterprise to take the championship into its next chapter with renewed energy and investment. We will work with Red Bull and KW25 to find the best fit for this important role.”