V8 Supercars Australia has appointed international television rights agent IMG Media to 'position the sport as a world leader' and 'increase its global presence', it has been announced.

IMG Media becomes the global sales agent for the V8 Supercar Championship Series, bringing its credentials to the table in marketing the television rights to an increasing worldwide audience.

V8 Supercars Australia executive chairman Tony Cochrane said by bringing in IMG Media that it gave the sport a chance to consolidate and build its international presence which is so vital to teams, sponsors and stakeholders.

“I believe we have reached the maturity as a sport and business to make this very important step,” Cochrane said. “We are at a point in time where it is important for us to build our international presence further and reinforce the significance of our great category within world motorsport.

“V8 Supercars is a market leader. This is part of us maintaining our continued growth within the sport and as a business.

“IMG Media has a proven record in this area by providing the same services to some of the world's largest sporting clients and events.”

The announcement coincides with the addition of a third international event at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit to join the Bahrain International Circuit and Hamilton 400 in New Zealand on the annual V8 Supercar calendar.

“Every day more and more people are coming to our sport,” Cochrane continued. “The potential of consolidating our international television and expanding our audience reach has huge ramifications on the long-term growth of V8 Supercars. That's healthy for everyone.”

“We are delighted to be representing V8 Supercars Australia,” added Michel Masquelier, IMG Media executive vice President. “IMG Sports Media are ideally placed to unlock the considerable potential this exciting racing series has worldwide.”

The three-year deal, beginning in 2010, will cover all forms of TV rights, including in-flight, in all territories worldwide excluding Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and India. Both domestic and world feed content will be available as well as a 52 minute highlight programme available on the Tuesday after each race.