BT Bags Live WRC Broadcasting Rights

English channel BT Sport has obtained the exclusive rights to broadcast live the 2014 World Rally Championship (WRC). 

The deal entitles BT Sport live coverage to the whole of this year’s 13-race season. 

The WRC will be aired across all of BT’s subscription sports channels including BT Sport 1 and 2 as well as ESPN. 

The news of the deal follows BT’s expansion of its increasing line-up of motorsport action, including exclusive UK rights for MotoGP and IndyCar.

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: “We are thrilled to be able to show the World Rally Championship, possibly the most demanding motorsport contest in the world. BT Sport can now offer viewers two of the biggest motorsport properties in the world, WRC and MotoGP.  We will bring the viewers closer to the action, the drivers and the teams, with live and behind the scenes coverage.” 

The live broadcasts are due to start on Wednesday with from the Monte Carlo Rally which is the first race of the year. 

The Monty Carlo Rally will also be coveted by satellite and cable channel Motors TV which will provide half-hour daily highlights of every rally. 

The WRC hope that the increase of viewer options in the UK will make a turning point and resurgence for the sport’s popularity. 

Oliver Ciesla, managing director of the WRC Promoter, said: “We are delighted with this exciting new partnership with BT Sport, a broadcast partner that will deliver extensive coverage of the WRC to rally fans in the UK throughout the entire season.”