Wednesday 24 June was an historic day for global motor sport after the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) agreed sweeping plans for a bright future and the FIA GT series was granted world championship status.

The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting in Paris may be more renowned for sorting out the future of Formula One but it is in rallying and GT where its decisions will have a longer-lasting effect.

The WMSC agreed on a blueprint for the WRC which has been heralded as a major step forward by all the major stakeholders, and is the start of a brave new world for the sport. It builds on the rich heritage and history of WRC and will enable the sport to adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing media and commercial world.

FIA President Max Mosley said: “I’m delighted that the World Rally Championship is heading in this positive new direction. There is no doubt that with a sustained level of development and promotion, we can provide the ultimate stage to showcase this world-class sport.”

Neil Duncanson, Chairman of global promoter ISC added: “All the main players in the sport have worked very hard to get to this moment. These plans give us a stable foundation on which to build the series, and a unique opportunity to create something very special for years to come – for the fans, the media, the teams and the events.”

A new calendar, technical regulations and greater flexibility for organisers to develop their event’s unique character are a few of the notable developments for the future. However a raft of additional amendments to the 2010 Sporting Regulations will ensure WRC has the freedom to build on its core values while forging ahead in the areas of new media and entertainment, strengthening the qualities that have brought the sport millions of fans around the world.

Meanwhile, the top series in GT racing has been given world championship status after it met the requirements, including events across at least three continents. The FIA has also reached agreement with SRO to be the promoter of the new FIA GT1 World Championship from 2010.

As part of this agreement, the FIA GT Championship (GT1 and GT2) and the GT3 European Championship, will be split into three distinct and easily identifiable FIA GT Championships. The FIA GT1 World Championship will be for independent teams and professional drivers, the FIA GT2 European Championship for independent teams and pro-am driver crews, and the FIA GT3 European Championship for independent teams and non-professional drivers.

The new GT series becomes the fourth major World Championship under the FIA umbrella, joining World Rally, World Touring Car and Formula One.