ITV

Tag: Rally Championship

  • World Rally Championship signs global sponsorship deal

    MUMBAI: This is a piece of news that should energise motorsport event World Rally Championship (WRC). WRC’s rights holder, International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC) has announced that it has agreed a global sponsorship deal with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
     
     
    In India viewers can catch WRC action on AXN. The sponsorship deal will see GSK’s Lucozade Energy brand being installed as the ‘Official Energy Drink of the WRC’ for the forthcoming season.

    The WRC has stated that GSK’s decision to align their flagship nutritional brand with one of the most challenging motorsport events in the world is a logical and exciting move for Lucozade Energy. WRC claims that in 2004 it was watched by over 700 million viewers in almost 200 countries.

    Drivers and co-drivers competing for the 2005 WRC crown will drive at speeds of up to 200 kph, on asphalt, gravel, snow and mud in temperatures that can plummet to -30 degrees and soar to 40 degrees- a real assault on their senses. In such a gruelling environment it is essential that drivers and their co-drivers are precise, maintaining their concentration, focus and energy levels throughout, as they compete against the most unforgiving adversary of them all – the clock.

     
     
    Typically, WRC events comprise of around 25 special stages and are spread over three days. It is vital that drivers and co-drivers remain mentally alert and focused and have the necessary energy stores to allow them to undertake the physical rigors of each grueling stage.

    Lucozade Energy brand manager Daniel Scott said, ‘This is a very exciting time for the Lucozade Energy brand and we are delighted to be working with such a vibrant, innovative and complimentary partner. The essence of rallying holds huge appeal within our audience and so the WRC is an ideal platform for us to engage with customers and communicate our mental and physical energy values. We have a first of its kind promotion planned for March which is set to create a real buzz.”

     
     
    Lucozade Energy will activate their new relationship with the WRC by launching a unique through-the-line campaign in March. This has been designed to capture the excitement and diversity of the WRC and to offer consumers once in a lifetime experience. Soon to be unveiled, the high-octane promotion is aimed to capturing the imagination of all motorsport enthusiasts and Lucozade Energy drinkers. The UK focussed promotional activity will incorporate a strong international flavour.

    GSK had earlier appointed leading UK partnership marketing consultancy, Lighthouse Communications to negotiate the extensive WRC sponsorship package. As a lead sponsor, Lucozade Energy will benefit from a host of additional rights including use of the WRC logo and team car imagery in promotional activity and on-pack, behind the scene access to all WRC events worldwide and the supply of Lucozade Energy at events.

  • Rally championship action switches to ITV in UK

    Rally championship action switches to ITV in UK

    MUMBAI: The World Rally Championship (WRC) will move from Channel 4 to ITV1 in the UK. ISC, the TV and commercial rights holders to WRC has signed a new three-year agreement with ITV1.
     

    In India, AXN will start airing WRC action. As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com during the course of the year, 16 races will take place in different locations such as Europe and Australia. The Monte Carlo race kicks off the championship from 23-25 January and will be aired on AXN on 30 January at 9 pm. Highlights of each race will air on the following Friday at the same time.

    Meanwhile, ITV1 will all 16 rallies in the 2004 WRC calendar with a comprehensive one hour programme on every Sunday afternoon of each event. In addition, ITV1 will broadcast a 30-minute magazine show previewing and reviewing each rally and extended coverage of Wales Rally GB.

    Explaining the decision behind the switching of broadcasters ISCs MD Simon Long had the following remarks to make in an official release. “Channel 4 has played a key role in raising the profile of WRC in the UK. During the past two years; their coverage has brought innovation and excitement to coverage of the sport. However ITV1s 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.”

    ITVs sport controller Brian Barwick added, “We are delighted to become the new home of the World Rally Championship. This will be a year-round white knuckle ride in some of the most exotic locations in the world, featuring the ultimate test of both driver and car against the elements. We hope by giving it a regular Sunday afternoon slot we can attract not only the committed rally fan, but also bring a wider audience to the sport.”

    Channel 4s David Kerr was not exactly unhappy to see WRC off the programme schedule. He said, “We have enjoyed our association with the WRC and have been able to introduce some of the innovations that have allowed us to revolutionise coverage of the sport on TV, including Virtual Spectator.

    ” However the irregularity of the sports calendar means that in an increasingly competitive television environment we are unable to continue guaranteeing the slots for it. We feel that the agreement is the best one for the sport and its fans and wish the WRC continued success in the future.”