The 2011 World Rally Championship began in Sweden last weekend after series promoters North One Sport secured a two-year broadcast contract for coverage in Spain. Nitro, an adventure and sports channel, will show the WRC in the country, broadcasting what is described as ‘the complete range of WRC shows’.

Nitro, a free-to-air channel owned by Spanish broadcast group Antena 3, began its coverage with the Rally of Sweden, won in dramatic fashion by Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen. The deal is another boon for London-based North One, who recently sold the UK TV rights to WRC to ESPN.

Simon Long, chief executive of North One Sport, said: "We are delighted to be supplying the Antena 3 broadcast network with our new range of WRC programmes, including from this season the live Power Stages. Star drivers like Carlos Sainz and Dani Sordo have helped create a huge following for the WRC in Spain and I’m delighted we can give fans living there this level of coverage.”

Bernd Reichart, director of digital channels at Antena 3 Group, added: “The acquisition of the World Rally Championship is a move to position Nitro as the channel of action, adventure and sport, as represented by the WRC. I’m delighted with the agreement and to assume the challenge of providing a high level of coverage for the public and fans of the sport on Nitro. It’s our ambition to continue growing this day by day.”

Sordo, Spain’s biggest current WRC star, is driving for the Mini WRC team in 2011. The Spanish round of the WRC takes place in late October.

Source SportsPro