Red Bull could be confirmed as the new promoter of the
World Rally Championship as early as Rallye Deutschland later this month, following a three-way challenge for the right to replaced North One Sports.
According to
Autosport magazine, Red Bull Media House, yet another division of the drinks brand's empire, beat off opposition from both IRC promoter/broadcaster
Eurosport and an unnamed South African partnership, having been short-listed by the sport's governing body, the FIA.
Eurosport was widely expected to emerge as the leading candidate, particularly having rallied at short notice to assist in the broadcast of WRC events earlier this season but, according to
rallye-magazin.de, Red Bull's existing role in sports promotion, as well as its financial clout, won out.
The WRC has struggled on since North One was axed as promoter following the collapse of parent company CSI, with serious question marks raised over its future following disputes between the
FIA and participating events, and concerns that leading manufacturers
Citroen and Ford were maybe poised to end their involvement. It is hoped that the impending appointment of a new promoter will help to steady the ship.
Red Bull is already in the WRC, sponsoring the works
Citroen squad and enjoying relationships with specific events, alongside widespread motorsport involvement that includes F1,
NASCAR and bike racing.