The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) owns and governs the World Rally Championship. It sets the sporting and technical rules, sanctions events, and awards the championship titles.
The modern WRC began in 1973, evolving from earlier international rallying competitions. It includes separate championships for drivers, co-drivers, manufacturers and support categories. Rally organizers stage individual events, but they do so under FIA regulations.
A common mix-up is confusing the FIA’s governance with commercial promotion. The WRC has had commercial rights holders and promoters responsible for broadcasting, marketing and event promotion, but those roles do not replace the FIA as the governing authority.
The FIA is also distinct from organizations such as IMSA, the ACO and FIM. IMSA governs major North American sports-car series, the ACO is closely associated with the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and FIM governs motorcycle sport.