Clarity sought over future promoter

None of the leading manufacturers in the WRC were prepared to comment on the record, but all are urgently seeking clarification from the FIA.

ISC chief executive Simon Long said: "I have spoken to a representative from the FIA and I now understand this is an inaccuracy on the part of the FIA and I expect that this point will be clarified. The FIA acknowledges that ISC is the commercial rights holder for WRC until the end of December 31, 2010."

There is further confusion over the absence of any comment on the position of the global promoter, which was said to be central to today's extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris.

Long added: "I'm surprised there is no mention or any discussion. The [appointment of a] global rights holder is something which has been central to discussions between the stakeholders in the WRC for a long time now.

"There was a general acceptance that this was something which would be tabled at World Motor Sport Council today.

"The global promoter is in everybody's interest, not least ISC which feels it is best placed to take on the role. ISC has worked for a very long time to establish fine working relationships with all the stakeholders and we feel that under our new ownership (North One Television) we are in the right place to take the sport forward with a fantastic investment package for the future."

The FIA's statement, issued earlier today, read: "The FIA will invite tenders for the Commercial Rights to the FIA World Rally Championship from 2010. The tender will be published on 16 October 2008 and close on 15 November 2008. The winning tender will be announced at the start of Rally Ireland, the first round of the 2009 season."