Scotland's Bid for WRC 2027 Takes Major Leap Forward After Successful FIA Inspection
The World Rally Championship's ambitious return to Great Britain is drawing closer, with Rally Scotland successfully completing its crucial candidate event. This significant development follows an FIA inspection that evaluated the nation's readiness to host a WRC fixture. A three-year agreement, announced in March, paves the way for the prestigious rally series to come back to British soil in 2027, marking its first appearance since the 2019 Wales Rally GB. The inspection focused on key aspects including the challenging stages, operational capabilities, and the robust infrastructure of Aberdeen, the proposed event headquarters, all of which received commendation from the international motorsport body. This progress underscores a growing global interest in rallying, with several new venues vying for inclusion in the upcoming WRC seasons.
The FIA delegation, comprising key officials such as WRC category manager Marina Dunach and safety delegate Nicolas Klinger, conducted a thorough four-day assessment. This included observing the Grampian Forest Rally, a British Rally Championship event in Aberdeenshire, which incorporated stages earmarked for the 2027 WRC route. Notable WRC figures, including Elfyn Evans and Jon Armstrong, participated and expressed their positive impressions of the course. The assessment also involved meticulous checks of the proposed event headquarters at the expansive P&J Live conference centre in Aberdeen, recognized for its substantial space and excellent connectivity via the city's international airport. Furthermore, discussions were held with local governmental bodies and councils to ensure comprehensive support for the rally, reinforcing the strong collaborative effort behind Scotland's bid.
Scotland's Path to WRC Return
The journey for the World Rally Championship to potentially return to Great Britain has taken a pivotal step with the successful conclusion of Rally Scotland's candidate event. This development is crucial as the WRC looks to include Scotland in its 2027 calendar, ending a seven-year absence from the UK. The initial announcement of a three-year deal earlier this year set the stage for this rigorous evaluation process by the FIA. The candidate event served as a comprehensive test of all operational aspects, from the quality of the rally stages to the logistical support and local engagement, all of which are essential criteria for securing a place in the globally recognized championship. The positive feedback highlights the dedication and planning invested by the Scottish organizers and their partners.
A high-level FIA delegation, including WRC category manager Marina Dunach, sporting delegate Timo Rautiainen, safety delegate Nicolas Klinger, and medical delegate Anna Carreras Castanye, journeyed to Aberdeen, Scotland, for an in-depth viability assessment. This involved a four-day program, starting with two days of observing the Grampian Forest Rally, a British Rally Championship fixture held in Aberdeenshire. This event utilized stages that are expected to be part of the proposed 2027 WRC route, and top drivers like Elfyn Evans and Jon Armstrong participated, offering valuable endorsements of the course. The FIA team meticulously evaluated the experience and readiness of key officials and assessed the wider route and required infrastructure. Impressively, the delegation praised the quality of the stages and the proposed event headquarters at the 48,000 square meter P&J Live conference centre in Aberdeen, along with the city’s excellent accommodation and airport links. Meetings with the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council, and local authorities further solidified the collaborative effort to bring the WRC back, confirming robust local backing for the event.
Global Momentum and Future Prospects for WRC
The successful inspection of Rally Scotland signifies a broader trend of expansion and renewed interest in the FIA World Rally Championship. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the importance of this step for the United Kingdom, a nation with a rich motorsport heritage, and highlighted the overall growth momentum for the WRC in 2026. With three candidate events planned across the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy, the championship is actively seeking to broaden its global footprint. This strategic initiative aims to engage new audiences and tap into both traditional motorsport strongholds and emerging markets, ensuring the sport's continued evolution and increased accessibility worldwide. The anticipation for the 2027 calendar announcement is high, as it will reveal which of these promising new venues will join the prestigious lineup.
FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the completion of the Rally Scotland candidate event marks a crucial advancement in bringing the World Rally Championship back to the UK, a country deeply rooted in the championship's history. He further noted that this development is part of an exciting period for fans and reflects a year of continued expansion for the WRC in 2026, with candidate events also taking place in the United States and Italy. This global push demonstrates a clear strategy to introduce rallying to new audiences and cultivate growth in diverse markets. The president extended his gratitude to all collaborators involved in the process, underscoring the collective effort to foster the championship's growth. With Rally Scotland reportedly being considered for an October date, alongside other potential venues like the USA and Rome, the WRC is expected to unveil its 2027 calendar within the coming weeks, promising an exciting future for the sport.