Glamorous launch for WRC 2008 season in Monaco
The 2008 FIA World Rally Championship season was launched in style this evening at the prestigious Automobile Club de Monaco, host of the most famous and opening round of the series, Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo, which kicks off the season on Thursday 24 January.


This year’s Championship covers 15 events run over five continents, and continues to pose one of the most diverse motorsport challenges. Snow, ice, gravel and asphalt, with temperatures ranging from -20° to +40° Centigrade, demand absolute skill and commitment from crews. For the first time, Jordan will also add another dimension, as it makes its debut in the FIA World Rally Championship.


Six manufacturer teams, all with two nominated crews, will compete for the coveted FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers. This year, Japanese manufacturer Suzuki makes its debut in the series, joining Citroën, Ford and Subaru in the fight for the world title.


FIA President Max Mosley said: “I look forward to another fascinating and exciting season in the FIA World Rally Championship, with young talent competing against some of the world's most experienced drivers. We are also delighted to welcome another manufacturer to the Championship and a new host country, adding yet more cultural diversity to a unique sporting spectacle.”


As ISC, the global media and commercial rights holders of the WRC, gears up for the start of an exciting season, CEO Simon Long considers how the WRC community can look forward to a feast of new innovative programming aimed at capturing the unique and spectacular essence of the sport:


“Our objective is to bring our millions of fans around the world ever closer to the best action and entertainment which makes WRC so captivating,” said Long. “We are looking to take the lid off WRC this year by introducing a wider range of television programming and content. Watch out also for our new look website at www.WRC.com where fans will be able to get right into the heart of the WRC through a broader mix of content, news and video footage than ever before – all free of charge.”


2007 was a watershed year for the Championship sponsorship programme having managed to secure Easynet, Pirelli and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority to compliment the continued involvement of Kärcher and the programme continues to develop as interest in the Championship grows.


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