BREAKING NEWS: The World Rally Championship (WRC) is officially returning to the UK, with an exciting new event set for the north-east of Scotland in 2027. This announcement, made just moments ago, marks the end of an eight-year hiatus for the championship in the UK, following the last Wales Rally GB in 2019.
The new rally will be headquartered at the P&J Live complex in Aberdeen, with stages sprawling across the stunning landscapes of Aberdeenshire and Moray. This development is a significant partnership among the Scottish Government, Motorsport UK, and the WRC Promoter, aimed at establishing Rally Scotland as a major international sporting event.
This rally is poised to deliver substantial economic and tourism benefits for the region, igniting excitement among rally fans and local businesses alike. The next step involves a Candidate Event later this year, where the FIA will collaborate with Motorsport UK and event organizers to evaluate preparations for the championship-level competition.
Simon Larkin, senior events director at WRC Promoter, expressed enthusiasm about this major comeback. He stated,
“Since the FIA World Rally Championship last visited the UK in 2019, we have worked closely together to find the right pathway for its return. We’re delighted to be working alongside the Scottish Government and local authority partners to see this exciting initiative come to fruition.”
Malcolm Wilson, FIA deputy president for sport, emphasized the significance of this announcement, remarking,
“This is a huge announcement for the FIA World Rally Championship. The return of a flagship world championship event in Scotland is the start of the next chapter in this long history.”
The championship’s return is not merely about racing; it’s about showcasing Scotland’s unique rallying culture and engaging the passionate rally community. David Richards CBE, chairman of Motorsport UK, highlighted the emotional resonance of this event:
“That’s why seeing the championship return to the UK is so meaningful. WRC Rally Scotland will bring the world’s best drivers back to British stages, but it will also be more than a rally.”
With the 2027 event on the horizon, the focus now shifts to securing the necessary approvals from the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The Scottish Government and local councils are rallying support, even as Moray councillors initially declined to fund the bid.
Stay tuned for further updates as this thrilling journey unfolds. The return of the WRC to Scotland promises not just high-octane action but also a celebration of the rich heritage and community spirit surrounding motorsport in the UK.
