Channel 4 to screen WRC in 2002?

Channel 4 will announce tomorrow that they have secured the rights to screen the entire 14 rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship in 2002 according to reports in the British press.

Although details at this point are vague it is believed that highlights of each event will be screened on the same day rather than the current offering a week or so later on the BBC.

World Rally boss David Richards told The Sun: "There's a two-year plan and by the end of it I am certain we can be one of the top five global sports. Some people say live TV is an impossible dream but I believe it's possible."

"The timing couldn't be better, either, because live coverage will be on the back of a British world champion (Richard Burns) out to defend his crown."