The WRC will visit Scotland in 2027

It had been since the Wales Rally GB 2019 that the WRC had not been to the United Kingdom for some time. This absence will therefore end for good in 2027, with the signing of a three-year agreement that will bring the WRC back to Scotland, with a rally based around Aberdeen.

While the WRC has never held a rally entirely in Colin McRae's homeland, the RAC Rally has contested some of its stages in Scotland, with its last visit in 1995, the year of McRae's title win with Subaru. The area around Aberdeen has never been visited by the WRC, but the British Rally Championship (whichAdrien fourmaux won in 2023), regularly passes through the region.

"Rallying has always held a special place in the history of British motorsport and, for me personally, it has played a major role in my life.", said David Richards, chairman of Motorsport UK, the driving force behind the return of Rally GB. “Having experienced the World Rally Championship from inside a rally car, I know just how unique the atmosphere of a British rally can be: the forests, the fans, and the extraordinary community of volunteers and motor clubs that make these events so special. We are extremely grateful to the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council, and Aberdeenshire Council for their commitment to this event. Their support has brought the World Rally Championship back to the UK, and Scotland provides a spectacular setting for the next chapter of this story.”

Wales hosted the last editions of Rally GB from 2000 to 2019. As was the case then, the Welsh government and local bodies joined forces to secure the necessary funding to host a round of the WRC. The return of Rally GB coincides with the introduction of new technical regulations in 2027, which aim to make participation in the World Rally Championship more accessible for both manufacturers and rally promoters.

“As we enter a new era for the WRC in 2027, with new regulations, more accessible cars and more crews competing for top spots, it’s fantastic to see that organizers, governments and, of course, fans are all keen to bring new WRC events to life.”Malcolm Wilson, vice-president of the FIA, explained. "Alongside Motorsport UK, the WRC promoter, and local organizers, we look forward to bringing these projects to fruition."

No date has been announced yet, but autumn is the most likely time to host this rally, as was the case in the past.

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