2013 ERC News and Results

[Sulland]

So in 2013 we will hopefully have a Championship that could take the role IRC have had since 2007 as a tier 2 Championship that it means something to win!

Statement from Eurosport Events - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport

[kober]

Should we expect a merged calendar with the best events of the two series?

[Sulland]

Hopefully!

I also hope this means they at least start off with events in places that people would like to, amd can afford to go to, to get high numbers of teams !

Getting TV expo on Eurosport should make it easier to get sponsors for an ERC campaign !'
ERC done right could be a stepstone arena for up and coming people, and also for gentleman drivers and drivers over their WRC days to still be able to compete !

Some events could also be combined with the Historic series, for the even older cars and drivers !!

[PLuto]

Should we expect a merged calendar with the best events of the two series?

I am not sure if there will be the best events of the two series. I am afraid that more important will be the money...

[OldF]

A ten-year contract with Eurosport. That’s something.

World Motor Sport Council

“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.”

[Sulland]

Good thing with 2 mediahouses promoting in WRC and ERC, so they can compete and learn from eachother !

[Mirek]

A ten-year contract with Eurosport. That’s something.

World Motor Sport Council

“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.”

Good. That gives some stability which is needed.

[Jack4688`]

Does anybody else think it is quite telling that the statement said the IRC "...will not run next year in its current format across Europe"? Maybe it's not as simple as no more IRC and better promoter for the ERC. Perhaps the IRC will still run in some form....Or maybe I'm looking into that choice of words too much.

[Plan9]

maybe IRC will be kept as a trademark and the ERC name taken out of usage in that case?

[Arganil]

Good thing with 2 mediahouses promoting in WRC and ERC, so they can compete and learn from eachother !

Probably they'll only learn how to beat each other...

Each corporation (RedBull/Eurosport) will have a strong rally product to sell (WRC/IRC*) in a limited market (motorsport tv audience), so they'll end to make the series rivals.

I doubt it'll be good for the sport to have 2 international rally series disputing manufactureurs involvement and rally organizers commitment, especcialy in a economical recessive environment like the one we're living.

Maybe it would be wiser to have an undisputed manu oriented WRC and a complementary amateur friendly ERC.


*let's not be naive; to keep ERC brand it's only a political agreement between FIA and Europort. The goal of the series will remain IRC goal: a strong alternative to WRC.