Motorsport events firm First Motorsport has won a deal to promote the new India Rally.

The long-term contract with the Himalayan Rally Association could lead to the event becoming part of the World Rally Championship.

Great Tew-based First Motorsport, which was an award winner in the Oxfordshire Business of the Year 2000 awards, will be responsible for the event's international promotion.

The Rallye de Goa, renamed the India Rally, will run from September 27 to 30 and will be a candidate for the Asia Pacific Rally Championship next year. The organisers hope the rally will join the world series within four years.

First managing director Andy Moss said: "The India Rally is set to become a major part of the world rally scene and I am delighted that First has won this extremely prestigious contract to promote the event."