Former McLaren Boss Eric Boullier Named WRC Promoter CEO in Major Rights Deal

Eric Boullier, former team principal at Lotus and racing director at McLaren, has been appointed chief executive of WRC Promoter following a major commercial rights acquisition. French automotive group Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital have taken over the WRC and European Rally Championship rights, with the FIA announcing the deal during Rally Finland.

Why it matters:

The move brings a proven Formula 1 operator back to senior motorsport management at a critical time for rallying. Boullier's track record leading teams through complex organizational changes offers the WRC valuable expertise as it fights to expand its global footprint and secure long-term relevance in a crowded motorsport market.

The details:

• Ownership Change: Cosmobilis and Park Square Capital now hold commercial rights for both the WRC and ERC, with the FIA describing the agreement as the most significant in the championships' history.
• Boullier's Background: The 52-year-old Frenchman led Lotus from 2010 to 2013 before a four-and-a-half-year stint as McLaren's racing director, departing F1 eight years ago. He most recently worked with the French Grand Prix organizers.
• Growth Strategy: The new leadership plans to prioritize stronger storytelling, enhanced multi-platform distribution, and greater fan accessibility to grow the championship's audience.
• Future Outlook: Boullier stressed aligning the series with technological and environmental challenges, indicating a push toward sustainable growth and modern relevance.

What's next:

Boullier must quickly convert fresh investment into measurable growth for the WRC and ERC. With manufacturer participation and media reach under pressure across global rallying, his success will depend on modernizing the product while preserving the sport's raw character. The FIA is betting that new ownership and experienced leadership will deliver the stability rallying needs to compete in the modern motorsport landscape.