*More than 300 million viewers for ERC television coverage in 2015

*Over 1000 hours of broadcast time for ERC programming

A cumulative audience of 318.9 million viewers watched the FIA European Rally Championship in 2015, a 30 per cent increase on the previous year, according to a report produced for ERC promoter Eurosport Events by global sports research consultancy Repucom.

The report also shows that there were 1081 hours of dedicated broadcasts for the ERC in 2015, across 81 different channels worldwide.

Of the total viewers, the Eurosport network provided 107 million, and there will be continued television coverage of the ERC across the Eurosport platform during 2016.

Jean-Baptiste Ley, the ERC General Co-ordinator, said: “We’re delighted that the popularity of the ERC has continued to rise each year since Eurosport Events took over the promotion of the championship in 2013. While they are already well known on Eurosport, ERC TV programmes are now broadcast on more than 80 other channels in 160 countries. Competing in the ERC at every level requires investment and the fact that a cumulative audience of 318.9 million watched the ERC in 2015 only helps drivers and teams in their efforts to take part, while also providing an excellent return to the ERC’s partners MICHELIN and Pirelli, as well as all the individual rally organisers. More than ever, the media exposure remains one of the biggest assets of this international championship.”

The 2016 ERC season gets underway on Gran Canaria with 40th Rally Islas Canarias El Corte Inglés from 10-12 March.

ENDS

Press enquiries: Anthony Peacock, media@fiaerc.com

Television enquiries: Antonios_Argyropoulos@discovery.com

Drivers and teams: Jean-Baptiste_Ley@discovery.com