The Sportsman Media Group agency and the Red Bull Media House production company have jointly been appointed to promote the World Rally Championship motor racing series from the start of the 2013 campaign.
Under the deal with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), motor racing’s global governing body, the two companies will be responsible for producing and distributing media coverage of the series as well as undertaking other marketing and organisational activities.
The length of the deal, which was approved on Friday by the World Motor Sport Council, the FIA’s executive body, has not been disclosed.
“The promoter will be responsible for investing and developing the championship with a view to increasing its profile, reputation and commercial value. In particular, the promoter, working in close collaboration with the FIA, will be focused on introducing live television and an innovative digital media strategy in the next years,” the FIA said.
The championship has not had a permanent production and distribution partner since the FIA terminated North One Sport’s deal before the start of the 2012 season after claiming the agency had breached its contract.
Meanwhile, international sports broadcaster Eurosport announced the closure of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, the rally series organised by its events organising arm Eurosport Events.
The IRC will be replaced within the Eurosport portfolio by the FIA European Rally Championship. Eurosport has agreed a 10-year deal, from 2013 to 2022, with the FIA to become promoter of the championship. Its role will include ensuring the series is televised.
The World Motor Sport Council, which announced the deal following its meeting last Friday, said: “As part of the FIA's commitment to strengthen the regional rally championships and implement a global strategy for the sport, the WMSC approved the principle of the appointment of Eurosport Events Limited as the promoter of the FIA European Rally Championship from 2013 for a period of 10 years. Eurosport Events' commitment will ensure the series is televised and promoted in all mediums.”