WRC returns to Great Britain in 2027: New rally in Scotland

– The World Rally Championship (WRC) returns to Great Britain in 2027. However, not to Wales, where the WRC was last hosted seven years ago, but to Scotland. This was announced on Monday; the contract with the local organizers has a term of three years.

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With the completely new gravel event “Rally Scotland,” a seven-year absence of the WRC in the United Kingdom comes to an end. The Great Britain Rally last took place in 2019 before it disappeared from the calendar due to canceled funding from the Welsh government. Great Britain looks back on a rich rallying tradition, with the former RAC Rally being one of the founding members of the World Championship in 1973.

Since the exit from Wales, there have been continuous efforts for a return, but projects in Wales and Northern Ireland initially failed. Motorsport UK finally identified Scotland as a potential candidate in 2024.

The bid is based on a gravel rally centered in Aberdeen. The northeast of Scotland was chosen due to the sporting challenge, international transport links, sufficient hotel capacity, and the impressive landscape.

Funding secured: Kick-off in the new era

After a deal for 2026 did not yet materialize, funding from the Scottish government as well as the city councils of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is now secured. The contract with the WRC promoter runs from 2027 to 2029. This means the rally will welcome the new generation of vehicles built according to the 2027 technical regulations.

The rally headquarters will be the £330 million “P&J Live” at the Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA). This offers space for an indoor service park, the rally headquarters, as well as areas for congresses and seminars. The special stages will be held on closed gravel tracks in the forests of Aberdeenshire. The organizers are planning a compact route on proven infrastructure.

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Voices on the return to Great Britain

“Rallying has always had a special place in the history of British motorsport and has personally been a huge part of my life,” says Motorsport UK Chairman and former Subaru WRC boss David Richards. “Having experienced the World Championship in the car myself, I know how unique the atmosphere in Great Britain can be. We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish government and local authorities for their commitment.”

Simon Larkin, Event Director of the WRC promoter, adds: “Since the WRC’s last visit in 2019, Motorsport UK and the promoter have worked closely together to find the right path for a return. We have nothing but praise for the determination and hard work that Motorsport UK has invested to bring this project to life.”

Economic factor and outlook

Feasibility studies estimate that the event will bring around 100 million euros to the regional economy. Richard Lochhead, Scottish Minister for Business, emphasizes: “This is the first time a World Championship round will be held exclusively in Scotland. It is a huge moment for Scottish motorsport and an opportunity to attract thousands of visitors, teams, and fans from all over the world.”

The world governing body for motorsport, the FIA, also welcomes the move. Malcolm Wilson, FIA Deputy President for Sport, explains: “This is a great announcement for the WRC and shows the positive direction in which we are moving. The United Kingdom has an incredible tradition and passion for our sport.”

Rally Scotland is expected to be given a date in autumn 2027. Discussions are currently underway with the FIA regarding the holding of a test or candidate rally in advance. In addition to Scotland, another new round could join the calendar in 2027 with the USA, where a test event is already planned for June of this year.

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