The Probite British Rally Championship [BRC] has confirmed its broadcasting line-up for its return to television and ground-breaking media package on ITV4 and ITVX in 2024.
World-renowned motorsport commentator and journalist David Addison will provide the audio backdrop of the BRC, taking viewers on a journey throughout each round as the action unfolds.
Having been the lead commentator for ITV4 in the British Touring Car Championship for many years, Addison is also no stranger to rallying, having hosted the live coverage of the “RAC Rally” in 1991 and providing the commentary for many Wales Rally GB ceremonial events through the years, as well as special stage coverage in weird and wonderful locations. He is also a staple of international GT racing, plus a vast number of race series across the globe, offering an exciting viewpoint to take viewers old and new through the action-packed British Rally Championship season.
“I’m delighted to be involved in this year’s Probite British Rally Championship,” said Addison.
“There is no more telegenic form of motorsport than rallying, with the terrain and backdrops that the competition produces. That, along with cars being driven flat out against the clock, makes for a superb story and with the real buzz about the championship this year, we should have plenty of new fans during the season. The British Rally Championship has an amazing heritage and it is clearly enjoying a renaissance. It should be a great season.”
Getting into the heart of the action will be the talented Hollie McRae, daughter of rallying icon Colin. Entering the world of broadcast journalism in recent years, she has supported cousin Max with his media output during his first year competing in the FIA Junior European Rally Championship and has hosted events at Castle Combe Rallyday, Knockhill Racing Circuit and Rallylegend in San Marino.
With “feet on the ground” at each event, McRae will ensure that viewers are kept fully up to date with the goings on of each BRC round, with service park updates and words from the drivers themselves.
“I am so looking forward to getting involved in the 2024 British Rally Championship; an institution that means so much to my family with my Gramps, Dad and Uncle all competing at various stages throughout their rallying careers” she says.
“I have grown up hearing stories of competition in the British countryside and cannot wait to experience it for myself. In recent years, I have been forging my own path within the motorsport industry and feel honoured that the BRC have chosen me to share the excitement of the world of rallying on TV once again.”
The one-hour Motorsport UK production will be aired shortly after each round with timings to be announced in the coming weeks. The programme will also be available on the popular ITVX catch up service.
Fans looking for instant updates during a rally weekend will also be catered for, as the stage-end team of Matt Cotton and Bex Hinton bring the instant news, results, and updates to social media. Regular faces of stage-end reporting across the UK, the duo will get into the heart of each event, conveying the atmosphere, instant reactions, and news from the stop lines.
This will be complemented by a revised social media package which offers news, video content and interviews littered throughout each rally, allowing everyone to follow the events as they unfold.
Reece Tarren, Probite British Rally Championship Manager believes the media package for this year’s series has brought a renewed enthusiasm for not only the BRC but the sport as a whole.
“There is a huge buzz around the British Rally Championship this season and our unrivalled broadcast package has clearly inspired interest from an exciting list of drivers this season.
“We are hugely excited about the year ahead and thanks to a fantastic team of David, Holly, Matt and Bex, plus a dynamic social media team, we believe we can bring the heart and soul of each rally to viewers’ homes and smartphones on each and every rally this season.
“We have every reason to believe there will be plenty of stories to tell and our team on the ground are well versed in extracting that from our drivers and teams so there will be something for everyone to enjoy this year.
“Plus, it’s great to see the ITV4 broadcast being aired soon after every rally and of course available on ITVX for everyone to catch up with the season whenever they choose.”
