ITV to televise WRC through 2006

ITV's motorsport portfolio includes the F1 World Championship and the British Touring Car Championship. ITV1 will cover each of the 16 rallies in the 2004 WRC calendar with a one-hour programme on every Sunday afternoon of each event.

"Channel 4 has played a key role in raising the profile of WRC in the UK during the past two years and their coverage has brought innovation and excitement to the sport," said ISC's Simon Long. "But ITV1's ability to give WRC a guaranteed regular Sunday afternoon slot - as part of its commitment to become the 'home of motorsport' - is critical to grow our fan base and establish a mainstream appointment slot for WRC in the UK."

Brian Barwick, ITV's controller of sport, said: "We're delighted to become the new home of the World Rally Championship. By giving it a regular Sunday afternoon slot, we can attract the committed rally fan and also bring a wider audience to the sport."

The first ITV broadcast, of the Monte Carlo Rally, will be shown on January 25 at 3.45pm.