The World Rally Championship promoter has been sold to Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital in an agreement the FIA has labelled “the biggest deal in the history” of the WRC.
In acquring WRC Promoter GmbH, Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital are now the commercial rights holders for both the World and European Rally Championship in what was described as a “landmark long-term commercial rights agreement”.
President of the FIA, H.E. 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. My thanks to FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE and his dedicated team for delivering this, and I am looking forward to working closely with our new promoter.
“Rallying is a huge part of my personal story, it has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future. This is an important moment for our sport and as we enter a new era I am proud that we have a new partner in place to help us drive forward the bright future of these championships.”
Deputy president Malcolm Wilson has been at the heart of negotiations which have been ongoing for the last two years. The Briton added: “I have spent my entire professional life in the FIA World Rally Championship, so I know exactly what this sport means to its competitors, its organisers, and above all its fans. In over 40 years in the sport, I have never seen investment on this scale into rallying – this deal really is that significant and I’m full of optimism for what it means for the fans, competitors and organisers.
“From the beginning, our focus has been on finding a partner that not only recognises the WRC’s enormous potential, but understands its character, heritage and the responsibility that comes with shaping its future.
“Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital share that ambition. With a new era approaching through the WRC27 regulations, and with the FIA establishing a groundbreaking growth fund to drive the sport’s development, this is a real opportunity to strengthen the championship, grow its global audience, and deliver the kind of future this sport and its fans deserve.”
The FIA has pointed out that this is a deal designed for the sport itself, with the aim of delivering benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers and the FIA’s Member Clubs. Through this agreement, the FIA aims to make rallying more accessible, more competitive, and more commercially successful.
As the sport grows, the FIA will continue to focus on the strong governance and regulations that provide the foundations for rallying’s long-term success.
French-based automotive technology and services platform Cosmobilis, along with private credit investor Park Square Capital, has already outlined ambitious plans to the WRC and ERC stakeholders, with chairman and CEO of Cosmobilis Jean-Louis Mosca determined to make the World Rally Championship a ‘global benchmark for motorsport.’
Mosca said: “This acquisition marks a major milestone in Cosmobilis’ transformation. Since our creation, our ambition has been to build a group capable of connecting the entire automotive ecosystem through technology, data, and value-creating platforms. The WRC and the ERC represent a tremendous acceleration of this strategy.
“We are not merely acquiring the commercial rights to a world championship: we are building an international platform where manufacturers, partners, media, technology, and fans come together. Our goal is clear: to make the WRC the global benchmark for motorsport while creating a driver of sustainable growth for the entire Cosmobilis ecosystem.”
Martino Ghezzi, partner at Park Square Capital, added: “The WRC and ERC are iconic championships with exceptional heritage and global appeal. We are delighted to provide both capital and strategic support to realise their significant potential and look forward to partnering with Cosmobilis and Éric Boullier on this next chapter.
Former F1 man Éric Boullier is the new CEO of WRC Promoter
“Cosmobilis brings unparalleled expertise and relationships in the automotive sector, while Éric’s extensive experience and deep understanding of global motorsport make him ideally positioned to lead the company through its next phase of growth and development.”
As expected, the new promoter has appointed former McLaren F1 team principal Éric Boullier as CEO of WRC Promoter. The Frenchman said: “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.”
