iRally report: Eurosport & WRC deal close to completion
World Rally Championship is still in limbo over the future media rights holder and promoter, as deal between only viable option Eurosport and FIA is still under development. More precisely, as iRally reports, deal is finalized and it’s en route to members of the FIA World Motor Sports Countil for ratification.
Under provisions of new promoter agreement, Eurosport would gain more power over WRC calendar and the way Championship is run in terms of media and coverage. iRally argues this is positive change compared to limited say former promoter North One Sport enjoyed in WRC. However, if event organizers will be expected to shell out more cash in order to keep their slots in the calendar we may be in for some significant changes in next few years.
It is currently unclear if new deal will address doubts expressed by some teams, namely Mini, over the nature of future TV coverage. Complaints were directed at Eurosport primary plan of broadcasting WRC reports and material over sattelite channels as opposed to ground broadcasting, favoured by manufacturers. We’ll quote iRally’s final comment, which sums it up quite nicely: “Right now, the WRC cannot wait…”
