Millions more tune in to the WRC

The number of people tuning in to watch the WRC on television increased by 10 million between 2006 and 2007, according to figures announced by the World Rally Championship’s commercial division.

The latest statistics show that the total worldwide television audience for the WRC rose 20% in the previous five years to a 2007 total of 816 million.

International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC), the global media and commercial rights holders for the WRC, also revealed other statistics relating to the same period showing healthy increases in the sport’s popularity.

In the 12 months to 2007 the number of dedicated WRC television programmes increased by 40% to a total of 12,445, a figure which has quadrupled in the last five years. The WRC is now shown in over 180 countries and on more than 250 different TV channels.

Countries hosting new rounds of the WRC reported significant increases in their WRC programming figures from 2006; broadcasters RTE in Ireland and RTP in Portugal experienced increases of 206% and 443% respectively.

Revised broadcast arrangements led to larger WRC audiences in other countries too: a new deal with SVT in Sweden saw audiences up 772% while a new deal with Rai in Italy generated a 49% rise.

“These latest statistics are a tremendous reflection of the continued global and local appeal of WRC in what is an incredibly competitive and fast changing marketplace,” said Simon Long the Chief Executive of ISC. “They are also testament to the enthusiasm and creativity of everyone involved in staging the extraordinary spectacle which is the WRC. All things considered, we can look forward to another year of healthy development as we leave no stone unturned in our efforts to promote WRC to an ever wider community of fans.”