The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, motorsport’s world governing body, is in talks with the European Broadcasting Union for the production and distribution of television coverage of the remaining 2012 World Rally Championship events, ahead of a decision on March 30 on the series’ media partner for 2013 onwards.
The EBU, the public-service broadcaster consortium, undertook television production and distribution responsibilities for the Rally of Mexico last weekend. The FIA said further discussions with the EBU were planned “to ensure consistent distribution and production for the remainder of the 2012 season.”
The 2012 championship started in Monte Carlo in January without a promoter to handle television production and rights distribution after the FIA terminated North One Sport’s promoter deal, claiming the agency had breached its contract.
Motorsport news website Autosport reported that 30 individuals and companies had contacted the FIA who were interested in working with the WRC in the wake of North One’s departure.
“After the termination of its contract with North One Sport at the beginning of the year, the FIA is finalising an interim solution for the promotion of the WRC for the rest of the 2012 season,” the federation said. “In this light, a deal has been struck with the EBU for the distribution of the media rights for the Rally of Mexico. For 2013 onwards, the FIA has received a great number of expressions of interest and is confident in building in consultation with the main WRC stakeholders a strong promotional platform for the long-term growth of the championship.”