WRC loses Nokia’s backing

The World Rally Championship has lost its multi-million pound Nokia deal, it was confirmed on Wednesday.

WRC Commission president Jarmo Mahonen admitted last week's Acropolis Rally would be the final event in the association between the WRC and Nokia – a move confirmed today when the 'Powered by Nokia' branding was removed from the series' official website.

Mahonen admitted the loss of the deal, reckoned to have been a long-term commitment worth around £2.5m per season, was a significant blow to the series.

"This is quite a big loss to the championship," he said.