Richards: We must emulate F1
World Rally Championship media boss David Richards says that the series will need to be more structured if it is to raise its profile further, despite its last-minute switch from Channel 4 to ITV
Despite the new contract for ITV to broadcast the series in the UK, Richards believes that the WRC will have to follow in Formula 1's footsteps if it wants to attract more viewers. Channel 4's coverage suffered from a lack of regularity in its broadcast times.
"With F1, you know it's going to be on every other week at a certain time," said Richards. "It's about an appointment to view - it's knowing precisely when it will be on. This is the sort of thing that makes soap operas work."
ITV plans to broadcast the rallies as a single hour-long show on the Sunday afternoon.
Brian Barwick, ITV's head of sport said: "We are delighted to be the new home of the WRC - a white-knuckle ride in some of the world's most exotic destinations."
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