Circuit of Ireland and Ulster Rally return to TV

The country’s premier rally championship, which begins in March, will also be shown on BT Sport as part of a new broadcast package that will ensure that the high octane action reaches as many fans as possible.

The British Rally Championship returns this year with a new promoter, new classes, a new calendar and a new vision: to provide the ultimate test of the best drivers in the latest cars on some of the most iconic stages in UK rallying.

As a result of its worldwide reputation as one of the most competitive championships in the world, drivers from Ireland, Australia, Finland, Norway, Sweden and Italy are expected to do battle with the UK’s best rally talent, including M-Sport’s WRC star Elfyn Evans.

They will be hoping to add their name to a prestigious roll of honour that includes some legendary names of the sport, including Vatanen, Clark, Mikkola, McRae and Burns.

Produced by Hayfisher Productions, each round will enjoy a half hour slot on Channel 4 as part of the channel’s weekend morning sports programming, with a repeat of the action later in the week.

BT Sport viewers will enjoy a longer 60 minute programme, providing an opportunity to expand on some of the great stories that will develop in the course of the season, including the battle for the DMACK Junior BRC title that will catapult one young driver into international competition in 2017.

The revamped series will take in seven events across the British Isles as it tours England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland before culminating on the iconic lanes of the Isle of Man.