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The FIA World Rally Championship is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2027 with the introduction of WRC Rally Scotland, marking the series’ highly-anticipated comeback to one of rallying’s most historic territories.
Developed in partnership with Motorsport UK, the new gravel event will be based in north-east Scotland, with rally headquarters and service park facilities located at the state-of-the-art P&J Live complex in Aberdeen. Stages will run across the surrounding regions of Aberdeenshire and Moray.
The agreement forms an initial three-year deal beginning in 2027 and ends a seven-year absence for the championship in the UK, following the most recent running of Wales Rally GB in 2019.
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and world-class forest roads are expected to provide a spectacular sporting challenge for the WRC’s leading drivers and manufacturers, while the region’s infrastructure and transport links offer a strong platform for teams, media and fans attending the event.
The rally has been secured through a partnership between Motorsport UK, WRC Promoter and the Scottish Government, with support from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils. Together, the stakeholders aim to establish Rally Scotland as a major international sporting event delivering significant economic and tourism benefits for the region.
The next step to make WRC Rally Scotland a reality will be for a Candidate Event to be held later this year, where the FIA will work with Motorsport UK and event organisers to evaluate and prepare for a return to World Championship-level competition. The event will then be submitted for approval on the WRC calendar by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:
“The United Kingdom is famed for its motorsport heritage and passionate fans, and the return of the FIA World Rally Championship to its shores is a huge opportunity for the continued growth of our sport. This return reflects the growing global appeal of rallying and the FIA’s commitment to celebrating world-class motorsport culture globally.
“As we expand into new markets and reach new audiences – from the United States and South America, to Europe and the Middle East – we continue to drive the championship forward. The introduction of the new WRC27 regulatory package next year marks the beginning of a new era for rallying across the world as the championship goes from strength to strength.”
Malcolm Wilson OBE, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said:
“This is a huge announcement for the FIA World Rally Championship, and it really shows the positive direction of travel we are now taking. The United Kingdom has incredible heritage and passion for our sport, and the return of a flagship world championship event is the start of the next chapter in this long history. As we enter a new era for the WRC in 2027 with new regulations, more accessible cars and more crews fighting at the sharp end, it’s fantastic to see the appetite is there from organisers, governments and of course the fans to put together new WRC events. Alongside Motorsport UK, the WRC Promoter and the local organisers we are very much looking forward to making these plans a reality.”
Simon Larkin, Senior Events Director at WRC Promoter, said:
“Since the FIA World Rally Championship last visited the UK in 2019, Motorsport UK and WRC Promoter have worked closely together to find the right pathway for its return. We have nothing but praise for the determination and hard work shown by Motorsport UK in bringing this project to life.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Scottish Government and local authority partners to see this exciting initiative come to fruition – something that will benefit many, and especially the passionate rally fans across the UK.”
ENDS
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About Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
