The broadcaster will show highlights of every stage of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) over 15 countries. 

The season includes classic events such as Rallye Monte-Carlo and Rally Australia, while new to 2016 is the introduction of Rally China, which will take place in September just outside of Beijing.

Last year championship highlights were shown by ITV4, with live stages from each round being broadcast by BT Sport. 

Channel 5’s director of programmes, Ben Frow, said: “We are excited to have such a fantastic sports brand to build on our growing portfolio of sports content.

“The World Rally Championship attracts a hugely loyal audience and we look forward to showing action from rallies around the world.

Joining existing drivers will be a new generation of British competitors including Northern Ireland's Kris Meeke, who will battle it out for the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team.

World Rally Championships starts on Channel 5 on Monday 25 January at 7pm.