Fans can choose how they want to follow the FIA World Rally Championship via an exciting new and interactive digital service launched this week.
WRC Promoter GmbH, the company behind the 13-round series, is unveiling WRC+ to give fans the opportunity to decide when, where and how they want to access the drama from the special stages of motorsport’s toughest competition for production-based cars.
Live maps, onboard action, comprehensive highlights and live special stages are part of the WRC+ package which will be available for the first time at this weekend’s Neste Oil Rally Finland (31 July - 3 August).
WRC+ will be accessible via either website or the official WRC app (Android and iOS) and is available across computer, smart phone or tablet, meaning fans can stay in touch with the latest WRC news as it happens from wherever they are.
WRC+ contains four fan options:
• Live maps: Track competitors through every special stage of every rally in real time, watch live timing and key driver information, locate spectator points, special stages and the service park.
• Onboard action: Experience a driver’s eye view of the stages via dramatic cockpit cameras. Select from up to 10 top drivers on your favourite stage. Pick the camera angle or face-cam you prefer and choose single driver or driver comparison mode.
• Full highlights: Watch up to 156 minutes of HD video highlights from every round, including a preview magazine programme, 26-minute daily highlights show and 52-minute event round-up. All highlights will be available within minutes of production being completed.
• Live stages: View up to 3 hours of live HD coverage of iconic stages from every rally across three different stages. Coverage includes live onboard images, helicopter footage and commentary from expert analysts and special guests.
Subscribers can access WRC+ for just 4.99 Euros per month, and each subscription offers two simultaneous log-ins, meaning fans can follow the action via two different modes at the same time. The service goes live on 31 July 2014, the opening day of Neste Oil Rally Finland.
Oliver Ciesla, managing director of WRC Promoter, said WRC+ would transform the way in which fans could follow the sport: “We set out with the goal of using the internet to offer WRC fans the opportunity to follow their favourite sport when, where and how they choose,” he said.
“Ever-improving internet access has added an extra dimension to the way in which people want to enjoy rallies. While great footage of drivers battling the elements and conditions amid spectacular scenery remains important, digital technology means there are new and exciting ways to enjoy WRC as it happens.”
Ciesla: “WRC+ takes fans closer to the action by putting them inside the car – there is no longer any excuse for anyone to miss that crucial moment that decides the outcome of a rally! We believe that together with our TV broadcast partners, our social media outlets, our on-event WRC Live radio service and our website at wrc.com, WRC+ brings a 21st century approach to one of the world’s most thrilling action sports.”
Fans can subscribe at www.wrcplus.com and from ADAC Rallye Germany WRC+ will also be available through the official WRC App (iOS and Android).
Technical requirements and key information is available at the website. It is available worldwide, although legal geo-restrictions may apply in some countries.