Nine million people watched IRC Circuit of Ireland Rally

RSL Staff

– October 25, 2012Posted in: IRC, News

The Intercontinental Rally Challenge-counting Donnelly Group Circuit of Ireland Rally attracted a global television audience of almost nine million people, organisers have revealed.

Based in Armagh, Northern Ireland, during the Easter weekend, the event formed round three of the all-action IRC and included a spectacular superspecial stage in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

A report compiled by independent sports research consultancy IFM Sports Group between January and June 2012 confirmed a global audience of 8.9 million viewers.

Event boss Bobby Willis said: “Since taking over the rally in 2010, our main aim has been to bring the rally to the people and widen its appeal across Ireland. The 2012 event certainly realised this dream – not only across Ireland, but also, around the world. The event attracted thousands of spectators but to think a further 8.9 million people across the world tuned in to watch the Circuit is incredible. According to the statistics provided by IFM Sports Group, the rally was widely viewed across Europe and Asia, with viewers in Australia, Mexico and Russia also tuning in to see our beautiful landscapes come to life.”

IRC promoter Eurosport Events was responsible for capturing the spectacular action from the Circuit of Ireland Rally through a combination of stage-side and onboard cameras plus a Cineflex helicopter camera.

Eurosport Events’ Motorsport Development Director François Ribeiro said: “The 2012 IRC featured a number of events in breathtaking locations including San Marino, Sicily, and Gran Canaria and I am delighted that the thrilling action from the Northern Ireland countryside, and indeed Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, attracted such a significant audience for Eurosport.”