Red Bull deal ends promoter saga

The FIA has confirmed that a deal has been struck with Red Bull to become promoter of the World Rally Championship.

The sport has been without a promoter all season after North One Sport tumbled into administration before the 2012 campaign even kicked off - with the FIA left to try and promote the championship itself.

Eurosport were linked with the role having successfully run the Intercontinental Rally Challenge but talks with the FIA failed to lead to a deal being struck.

That left Red Bull as the most likely option, with the World Motor Sport Council confirming a deal has been agreed that will the energy drinks company take up the role from 2013 onwards.

"The WMSC approved for the FIA to proceed with an agreement with The Sportsman Media Group and Red Bull Media House to become the new global Promoter of the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013," an FIA statement read. "The Promoter will be responsible for investing and developing the WRC with a view to increasing its profile, reputation and commercial value.

"In particular, the Promoter, working in close collaboration with the FIA, will be focused on introducing live television and an innovative digital media strategy in the next years."