WRC and Cosmote TV extend broadcast agreement as Acropolis Rally returns

Greek rally fans will be able to enjoy more than 150 hours of action-packed live FIA World Rally Championship coverage next season in an expanded broadcast partnership between WRC and Cosmote TV.

WRC Promoter, which owns the commercial rights to the championship, has finalised a 12-month extension to its agreement with the Athens-based broadcaster until the end of 2022. This follows the confirmation earlier this year that the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece will return to the series on 9-12 September after an eight-year absence.

The gruelling gravel road event forged a reputation as one of the WRC’s iconic fixtures after joining the inaugural season in 1973. In March WRC Promoter finalised a multi-year agreement with the Greek government for the rally to return.

Cosmote Sport channels will screen live coverage of more than 10 adrenaline-filled special stages from each WRC round exclusively in Greece. Output will also include daily and post-event highlights shows and the WRC+ All Live programming, which also features expert analysis, service park interviews and behind-the-scenes features.

The pay-TV service is planning significant coverage from the opening day of the EKO Acropolis Rally Greece, known as the ‘Rally of Gods’, which is based in Athens, before continuing over the next three days with WRC TV’s programming as the rally moves north to Lamia.

Philipp Maenner, media rights director at WRC Promoter, said enthusiasm for WRC was surging among Greek fans: “The dramatic twists and turns in recent rounds have enthralled fans in Greece, as well as everywhere else across the globe, and the return of EKO Acropolis Rally Greece to the 2021 calendar has further enhanced the already deep-seated and passionate following for WRC there.

“Cosmote TV is the home of motorsport in Greece and both parties’ eagerness to finalise this extension for 2022 so early in the current year highlights the fervour for WRC among fans there.”

As well as holding exclusive rights in Greece, Cosmote TV is also the exclusive broadcaster of the WRC in the Greek language.