Monte Carlo Rally Draws Viewers Thanks to Live Coverage

By Kevin Hilton

SVG Europe Editor

The pulling power of live sports coverage was shown in the viewing
figures for the Monte Carlo Rally, with 7 million people worldwide
watching the opening event of the 2009 IRC (Intercontinental Rally
Challenge) series. It was the first time in the history of the world’s most famous rally that stages were broadcast live, with host
broadcaster Eurosport using a combination of a helicopter Wescam,
in-car RF cameras, and road-side camera positions.

The TV-audience figures were authenticated by a number of research agencies, including AGB Nielsen and TNS Gallup. “We are very happy with our landmark live coverage of this epic event,” says Geraldine Filiol, managing director of Eurosport Events. “These unprecedented viewing figures reinforce the appeal of the IRC to a global television audience. We look forward to continuing our development and innovative approach over the rest of the season.”

Eurosport intends to have
live coverage of three more rallies this season and will confirm which
events these will be soon. The second round of the IRC season will be
the Rally Internacional de Curitiba from 5 to 7 March, the first time
the series has visited South America.