FIA Press Releases
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FIA EDRC returns to action at Sweden’s Tierp Arena
Sport newsAlmost 280 competitors are expected to take part in the event across the FIA European Drag Racing Championship, FIM Europe Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship and Summit Racing EDRS Series.
CALLIN LEADS ON HOME SOIL
Reigning FIA European champion Susanne Callin arrives at her home event as the Top Fuel standings leader after defeating Jndia Erbacher in the final at Santa Pod Raceway.Erbacher, the 2024 champion, is 21 points behind but will miss the Swedish round. Top Fuel rookie Colin Millar currently occupies third place and will join RF Motorsport team-mate Callin in the fight for victory at Tierp.
HABERMANN SETS THE PACE IN TOP METHANOL
Timo Habermann made an impressive return to the championship at the opening round. Competing for the first time in six years, the three-time European champion established new European elapsed-time and speed records with a 5.192-second run at 280.47mph before securing the event victory.Habermann leads Tony Bryntesson by 38 points, with Tina Høst Nedregård just five points further back. Reigning champion Sandro Bellio will aim to recover after clutch problems ended his Santa Pod challenge.
Nine cars are entered at Tierp, including three Funny Cars. The event will also mark the FIA European Championship debut of Hampus Staflund’s A-Fuel Funny Car, the first combination of its kind in the Top Methanol category.
22 DRIVERS CHASE 16 PLACES
Pro Modified will once again feature the largest and most international FIA field, with 22 drivers representing seven countries competing for 16 places in Sunday’s eliminations.Andres Arnover leads the standings after victory at Santa Pod, while reigning champion Jere Rantaniemi is third, 27 points behind the Estonian. Opening-round runner-up Andy Robinson will not compete in Sweden.
A strong group of home drivers will add to the competition. Mats Eriksson begins his championship campaign after missing the opening round, while Fredrik Fagerström, Roger Johansson, Åke Persson and Peter Kunc are also expected to challenge. Multiple European champion Michael Gullqvist returns behind the wheel of Micke Johansson’s Dodge Daytona.
ERNRYD DEFENDS SURPRISE PRO STOCK LEAD
European Drag Racing ChampionshipDrag RacingAll fia sport
Stefan Ernryd heads the Pro Stock standings after producing a surprise victory at Santa Pod. Having struggled during qualifying, the Dodge driver found his pace in eliminations and defeated 13-time European champion Jimmy Ålund in the final.
SEASON 2026SportCircuit1SportEuropean Drag Racing ChampionshipCircuitAll fia sportSEASON 2026Drag Racing01Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 11:48amThursday, August 6, 2026 - 11:48am -
FIA approves five-round 2027 World Rally-Raid Championship Calendar
Sport newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has announced that the five-round 2027 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship calendar has been approved by e-vote of the World Motor Sport Council.
FIA World Rally-Raid ChampionshipRally-RaidWMSCWorld CouncilWorld Motor Sport Council
The championship will once again span three continents, bringing together some of rally-raid’s most established events alongside newer fixtures that have become an integral part of the series. The 49th edition of the Dakar Rally will begin the season in Saudi Arabia from 1 to 15 January, continuing its role as the championship’s traditional opening round.
Following a break of more than two months, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will return to its established position as the second round of the 2027 campaign. The event will take place in the United Arab Emirates from 21 to 26 March.
The championship will then travel to Africa for the return of the South African Safari Rally, which rejoins the calendar following a one-year absence. Its second edition will be held from 14 to 19 June, taking over from Argentina’s Desafío Ruta 40 as part of the continued alternation between the two events.
Competition will resume in Europe following the summer break, with the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal retaining its place on the calendar for a fourth consecutive season. The event will take place from 21 to 26 September.
The campaign will conclude in Morocco, where the 28th Rallye du Maroc will host the championship finale from 24 to 29 October. The 2027 calendar has been structured to provide greater recovery and preparation time between events while supporting more efficient logistical arrangements for teams and competitors.
Remaining in the Middle East following the Dakar Rally will allow vehicles and equipment to be transferred overland to the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The interval between the opening two rounds will also provide competitors with additional time to recover and prepare following the championship’s longest and most demanding event.
The South African Safari Rally will take place seven weeks after the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and is positioned to align with the maritime transfer of equipment towards Europe. Three months will then separate the South African round from the bp Ultimate Rally-Raid Portugal.
A four-week interval between Portugal and the season finale in Morocco will provide teams with more than double the preparation time available between the corresponding rounds in 2025. By concluding at the end of October, the championship will also leave two full months before the start of the 2028 Dakar Rally.
President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said: “The FIA World Rally-Raid Championship is going from strength to strength, welcoming increasing numbers of fans, new manufacturers, and competitors to races around the world.
"From the sands of Abu Dhabi and Dakar to the challenging terrain of Morocco and Portugal, this year’s calendar also marks the return of the iconic South African Safari Rally, following a successful debut in 2025. The Championship is a unique challenge in global motorsport and I look forward to another exciting year of rallying ahead.”
David Castera, Motorsport Director of Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), said: “The 2027 calendar offers a strong line-up, bringing together rally-raid’s leading events alongside the two rallies created specifically for the championship, which have now become firmly established fixtures.
“The expertise of their organisers ensures the highest sporting standards while also providing the capacity to welcome more competitors. Improving the championship’s accessibility has been a key focus.
“Although the sequence of events returns to a more traditional order, it does so with an entirely new rhythm. The additional gaps between rounds will help teams and competitors reduce costs and integrate their rally-raid programmes more easily into their wider competition schedules.
“Together, these factors should help maintain the championship’s upward trajectory in terms of participation.”
SEASON 2026-2027SportCross-Country1SportFIA World Rally-Raid ChampionshipCross-CountryWorld Motor Sport CouncilSEASON 2026-2027Rally-RaidWMSCWorld Council00Wednesday, August 5, 2026 - 2:03pmWednesday, August 5, 2026 - 2:03pm -
FIA COMPLETES ‘DEAL OF THE CENTURY’ FOR FIA WORLD AND EUROPEAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sport newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced a landmark long-term commercial rights agreement for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and FIA European Rally Championship (ERC). It follows the acquisition of WRC Promoter GmbH by Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital.
The biggest deal in the history of these championships, this agreement marks a new chapter for the WRC and ERC. Supporting the FIA’s vision under President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, it will bring significant new investment into the sport, helping to strengthen and grow its world-class motor sport portfolio for years to come.
This deal has been designed for the rallying community and developed to deliver real benefits for fans, competitors, event organisers and the FIA’s Member Clubs. Through this agreement, rallying will become more accessible, more competitive, and more commercially successful. As the sport grows, the FIA will continue to focus on the strong governance and regulations that provide the foundations for rallying’s long-term success.
Alongside the FIA, the new promoter team of French automotive technology and services platform Cosmobilis and private credit investor Park Square Capital share a commitment to growing the sport’s global audience and deepening fan engagement. The FIA will also benefit from significantly increased visibility of its brand across events and broadcasts around the world.
This is a pivotal moment for the WRC, which is preparing for a major regulatory overhaul. Next-generation technical regulations, due to take effect in 2027, have been designed to make the sport safer, more competitive and affordable at the highest level, while the establishment of a new FIA Growth Fund will support projects that drive the success and development of rallying worldwide. Through this fund, growth will be felt across motor sport, from the highest levels of the championships to entry-level grassroots participation.
Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have outlined ambitious plans to take the WRC and ERC to the next level, putting fans at the heart of the sport and making rallying more exciting, accessible, and engaging. Through stronger storytelling, enhanced distribution, and new multi-platform content, fans will be closer to the action than ever before.
To deliver this vision, the new promoter has built a team of experts, led by newly-appointed CEO Éric Boullier, a highly experienced motor sport executive with a track record at the highest levels of international motor sport.
President of the FIA, H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, said:“This is truly the deal of the century for rallying, and I am proud to announce this transformative step forward, and never before seen levels of investment.
“Not only will it deliver real benefits to fans, competitors and our member clubs worldwide, but this investment signifies confidence in the future of our sport as its global popularity continues to grow.
“The future of our championships is at the heart of every decision we make, and we have ensured that we not only secure the right partner for today, but one who shares our long-term vision. My thanks to FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE and his dedicated team for delivering this, and I am looking forward to working closely with our new promoter.
“Rallying is a huge part of my personal story, it has shaped who I am and how I work, and I am deeply committed to its future. This is an important moment for our sport and as we enter a new era I am proud that we have a new partner in place to help us drive forward the bright future of these championships.”
FIA Deputy President for Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:“I have spent my entire professional life in the FIA World Rally Championship, so I know exactly what this sport means to its competitors, its organisers, and above all its fans. In over 40 years in the sport, I have never seen investment on this scale into rallying – this deal really is that significant and I’m full of optimism for what it means for the fans, competitors and organisers.
“From the beginning, our focus has been on finding a partner that not only recognises the WRC’s enormous potential, but understands its character, heritage and the responsibility that comes with shaping its future.
“Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital share that ambition. With a new era approaching through the WRC27 regulations, and with the FIA establishing a groundbreaking growth fund to drive the sport’s development, this is a real opportunity to strengthen the championship, grow its global audience, and deliver the kind of future this sport and its fans deserve.”
Jean-Louis Mosca, Chairman and CEO of Cosmobilis, said:“This acquisition marks a major milestone in Cosmobilis’ transformation. Since our creation, our ambition has been to build a group capable of connecting the entire automotive ecosystem through technology, data, and value-creating platforms. The WRC and the ERC represent a tremendous acceleration of this strategy. We are not merely acquiring the commercial rights to a world championship: we are building an international platform where manufacturers, partners, media, technology, and fans come together. Our goal is clear: to make the WRC the global benchmark for motorsport while creating a driver of sustainable growth for the entire Cosmobilis ecosystem.”
Martino Ghezzi, Partner at Park Square Capital, said: “The WRC and ERC are iconic championships with exceptional heritage and global appeal. We are delighted to provide both capital and strategic support to realise their significant potential and look forward to partnering with Cosmobilis and Éric Boullier on this next chapter. Cosmobilis brings unparalleled expertise and relationships in the automotive sector, while Éric’s extensive experience and deep understanding of global motorsport make him ideally positioned to lead the company through its next phase of growth and development.”
Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, said: “I take on this challenge with enthusiasm and determination, but also with humility and a strong sense of responsibility – to make these exceptional championships even more compelling. Alongside the FIA and our partners, we want to make every round a spectacular event, designed to thrill fans around the world. The goal is clear: to establish the WRC and ERC as world-class global brands and a driver of sustainable growth, closely aligned with today’s technological and environmental challenges.”
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Notes to editors:
This announcement is part of the FIA’s strategic investment in the future of the sport and follows major announcements relating to agreements with the FIA Formula One World Championship and the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Please see here for more information:
- Multi-year Concorde Governance Agreement between the FIA, Formula 1 Group and all 11 race teams, announced in December 2025 – information here
- FIA and Formula E sign landmark extension to power Formula E World Championship for another 10 years, announced in July 2025 – information here
In June 2026, the FIA announced that it had delivered its strongest set of financial results in a decade in 2025, with an operating profit of €6.7m. It also reported an exceptional gain of €20m through the Formula E contract extension.
About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.About Cosmobilis
Founded in 2021, Cosmobilis is a leading European automotive Tech & Services company, with bee2link’s proprietary SaaS platform at its core. This platform aggregates and structures audience and customer data across all digital channels, enabling smarter commercial strategies by country, region and manufacturer partner. The group also combines integrated services (financing, insurance, logistics) and go-to-market brands (BYmyCAR, UCAR). Present in more than 30 countries and partnering with over 30 manufacturers, the group brings together 4,700 employees and generates nearly €4 billion in revenue. Its platform is used by 100,000 professionals across 12,000 points of sale.
About Park Square Capital
Park Square Capital is a leading private credit investor, providing senior debt, mid-market direct loans, subordinated debt and structured equity to private equity-backed companies in Europe and the US. The firm has a selective, long-term and flexible investment approach, aimed at delivering attractive risk-adjusted returns across market cycles. Founded in 2004, Park Square Capital has invested more than $35bn and today manages more than $22bn of capital on behalf of its investors.
About the FIA World Rally Championship
The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is the ultimate test of driver skill, co-driver precision, and engineering endurance. Since its inception in 1973, WRC has pushed competitors and their cars to the limit across some of the most brutal and unforgiving terrains on the planet.
Spanning 14 rallies across four continents and 15 countries, the championship demands mastery of every surface imaginable - from snow-packed forests in sub-zero temperatures to rock-strewn mountain passes in blistering heat. Drivers and teams must adapt to ever-changing conditions as they battle against the elements and the clock.
The WRC is contested across three main titles: Drivers’ Championship, Co-Drivers’ Championship, and Manufacturers’ Championship - each requiring consistency, speed, and resilience to conquer rallying’s biggest prize.
About the FIA European Rally Championship
The 2026 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) is the 74th season of Europe's premier rallying series, featuring a seven-round calendar designed to showcase young talent and experienced campaigners across diverse terrain. The championship, promoted by WRC Promoter, features top-tier Rally2 cars and acts as a key feeder series to the WRC.
WRCERCFIAWRC
SEASON 2026SportRallies1SportWorld Rally ChampionshipEuropean Rally ChampionshipRalliesWRCSEASON 2026WRCERCFIA00Friday, July 31, 2026 - 3:12pmFriday, July 31, 2026 - 3:12pm -
FIA and FIA WEC confirm venues for final two rounds of 2026
Sport newsFollowing the postponement of the Qatar 1812km from its original date in March to later in the year, the decision has now been taken – due to the continued uncertainty in the region – to replace the final two rounds with races at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
The inaugural 6 Hours of Barcelona will take place over the weekend of 16-18 October, and will mark the first time FIA WEC has visited the track, which has in recent years successfully hosted the European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup.
Monza, meanwhile, has a long association with the pinnacle of international endurance racing stretching back more than 60 years, having welcomed the FIA World Sportscar Championship on multiple occasions – yielding victories for heroes of the sport such as John Surtees, Mario Andretti and Jacky Ickx.
From 2021 to 2023, FIA WEC travelled to ‘The Temple of Speed’ for three consecutive seasons, resulting in triumphs for Toyota and Alpine. The 2026 edition of the 6 Hours of Monza will be held on 6-8 November. The calendar change is subject to the approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
This announcement comes alongside further updates to the International Sporting Calendar, including for the FIA Formula One World Championship, and the FIA Karting World Championship event that was due to take place in Bahrain concurrently with the FIA WEC finale.
H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said:
“I am incredibly proud of the collaboration that will enable Barcelona and Monza to host FIA World Endurance Championship rounds later this year. The FIA has worked closely with our partners in Qatar and Bahrain in recent months to explore every option to preserve both events this season. But due to the ongoing situation in the region, the safety of our teams, colleagues, and motorsport fans remains our highest priority. These are never easy decisions, but protecting the wellbeing of our motorsport community will always come first.
“My thanks to all of our Member Clubs who have helped make these updates possible, the Lusail International Circuit, the Bahrain International Circuit and our championship colleagues whose partnership and support throughout this process reflects the very best of our sport. Our thoughts are with all those affected by the situation in the region, and we look forward to returning when circumstances allow.”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA WEC, said:
“A matter of days after the current Middle East crisis began back at the end of February, we acted quickly in postponing the Qatar event until later in the year, just before Bahrain. A few weeks ago, we were optimistic about being able to race at both venues, but unfortunately, the present situation obliges us to switch to an alternative plan.
“We have duly resolved to replace those two end-of-season rounds with Barcelona and Monza. Logistically, it was imperative to take this decision now to allow manufacturers, teams and the FIA WEC organisation to make all necessary arrangements.
“I would like to warmly thank Qatar and Bahrain for their understanding in these times. We have been in constant dialogue with both tracks and their national federations, and are proud of the close, long-standing relationships we have built in the Middle East. They are hugely important and well-established events in FIA WEC, and will remain so for many years to come.”
Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said:
“We are navigating an exceptionally complex period in the Middle East. Together with Frédéric Lequien, we have been monitoring developments on a daily basis and working closely and transparently with all stakeholders to identify the best possible solution.
“The ACO has built strong and lasting relationships with governments, motorsport federations, promoters and partners across the Middle East. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our colleagues in Qatar and Bahrain for their remarkable commitment and for the considerable efforts they have made over recent weeks in an attempt to preserve these two events.
“We are deeply disappointed that we will not be able to race in Qatar and Bahrain this year. These countries have become important members of the FIA World Endurance Championship family, and I want to be very clear – we are fully committed to returning to both venues in 2027 as scheduled. We already look forward to being reunited with our partners and fans there.
“In the meantime, I would also like to thank Barcelona and Monza for their responsiveness and for welcoming the World Championship at such short notice. I have no doubt that both circuits will provide an outstanding stage for endurance racing.”
Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President, Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), said:
“We fully respect the decision taken by the FIA WEC to call off this year’s Qatar 1812km. Our commitment to this partnership remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to working closely with both the FIA and the WEC to deliver an exceptional event when the championship returns to Lusail International Circuit.
“We are grateful to our fans, partners, teams and the wider motorsport community for their continued support, understanding and confidence. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the near future.”
Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive, Bahrain International Circuit, said:
“Over recent weeks, we have been in close coordination with our colleagues at FIA WEC and other stakeholders. Whilst we are naturally disappointed not to be hosting the pinnacle of world endurance racing in 2026, we support the decision, which is in the best interests of all involved.
“On behalf of all of us at BIC, I thank the entire FIA WEC community for their support and we look forward to welcoming the return of the series next year, together with fans from all around the world.”
The modifications to the series’ 2026 schedule have no impact upon the nine-round 2027 calendar, which remains as announced on 12 June.
World Endurance ChampionshipWECWEC
SEASON 2026SportCircuit1SportWorld Endurance ChampionshipCircuitWECSEASON 2026WEC00Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 11:50amTuesday, July 28, 2026 - 11:45am -
WEC: BMW bests rivals to Brazil victory
FIA newsThe Kevin Magnussen/Raffaele Marciello/Dries Vanthoor crew secured the Bavarian manufacturer's second success in just four races, prevailing after a close contest with the reigning world champions in the #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P.
In the closing stages of the six-hour bout, Vanthoor found himself under threat from both the #51 Ferrari and recovering #12 Cadillac but held his nerve to take the chequered flag in front of defending world champion James Calado, with Stevens not far behind in third.
Completing the overall podium was the pole-sitting #12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA Hypercar, with Will Stevens and Norman Nato securing third place.
“This has been a long time coming,” reflected Magnussen, once a pole-sitter at Interlagos during his Formula 1 career. “I’m just so happy to finally get the victory. I think we had the quickest car today, and it was an absolute pleasure to drive. Everything was on-point, from the strategy to the pit-stops and my two team-mates did an amazing job.”
TEAM TURKEY BY TF TRIUMPHS
The LMGT3 class produced another closely contested multi-manufacturer battle, with Ford Mustang, Corvette, Akkodis ASP Team and Iron Lynx Mercedes-AMG all spending time at the head of the field in an enthralling fight for class honours.Ultimately, it was the #81 Racing Team Turkey by TF Corvette of Salih Yoluç, Charlie Eastwood and Peter Dempsey that emerged victorious, sealing a memorable class win.
The #69 Team WRT BMW of Parker Thompson, Anthony McIntosh and Daniel Harper finished second in LMGT3, while the #92 Manthey Porsche of Richard Lietz, Riccardo Pera and Yasser Shahin completed the class podium in third.
World Endurance ChampionshipWECEndurance6 Hours of Sao PauloWEC
SEASON 2026FIACircuit1FIAWorld Endurance ChampionshipCircuitWECSEASON 2026WECEndurance6 Hours of Sao Paulo00Monday, July 13, 2026 - 12:15amMonday, July 13, 2026 - 12:15am