The FIA World Rally Championship is about to return to the UK in 2027 with the introduction of WRC Rally Scotland, marking the sequence’ highly-anticipated comeback to one in every of rallying’s most historic territories.
Developed in partnership with Motorsport UK, the brand new gravel occasion will likely be based mostly in north-east Scotland, with rally headquarters and repair park services positioned on the state-of-the-art P&J Stay complicated in Aberdeen. Phases will run throughout the encompassing areas of Aberdeenshire and Moray.
The settlement varieties an preliminary three-year deal starting in 2027 and ends a seven-year absence for the championship within the UK, following the latest operating of Wales Rally GB in 2019.
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and world-class forest roads are anticipated to offer a spectacular sporting problem for the WRC’s main drivers and producers, whereas the area’s infrastructure and transport hyperlinks supply a robust platform for groups, media and followers attending the occasion.
The rally has been secured via a partnership between Motorsport UK, WRC Promoter and the Scottish Authorities, with assist from Aberdeen Metropolis and Aberdeenshire councils. Collectively, the stakeholders intention to ascertain Rally Scotland as a significant worldwide sporting occasion delivering vital financial and tourism advantages for the area.
The subsequent step to make WRC Rally Scotland a actuality will likely be for a Candidate Occasion to be held later this yr, the place the FIA will work with Motorsport UK and occasion organisers to judge and put together for a return to World Championship-level competitors. The occasion will then be submitted for approval on the WRC calendar by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, mentioned:
“The UK is famed for its motorsport heritage and passionate followers, and the return of the FIA World Rally Championship to its shores is a big alternative for the continued progress of our sport. This return displays the rising world attraction of rallying and the FIA’s dedication to celebrating world-class motorsport tradition globally.
“As we develop into new markets and attain new audiences – from america and South America, to Europe and the Center East – we proceed to drive the championship ahead. The introduction of the brand new WRC27 regulatory package deal subsequent yr marks the start of a brand new period for rallying internationally because the championship goes from energy to energy.”
Malcolm Wilson, FIA Deputy President for Sport, mentioned:
“It is a enormous announcement for the FIA World Rally Championship, and it actually exhibits the optimistic route of journey we at the moment are taking. The UK has unimaginable heritage and keenness for our sport, and the return of a flagship world championship occasion is the beginning of the subsequent chapter on this lengthy historical past. As we enter a brand new period for the WRC in 2027 with new rules, extra accessible automobiles and extra crews preventing on the sharp finish, it’s incredible to see the urge for food is there from organisers, governments and naturally the followers to place collectively new WRC occasions. Alongside Motorsport UK, the WRC Promoter and the native organisers we’re very a lot trying ahead to creating these plans a actuality.”
Simon Larkin, Senior Occasions Director at WRC Promoter, mentioned:
“For the reason that FIA World Rally Championship final visited the UK in 2019, Motorsport UK and WRC Promoter have labored carefully collectively to seek out the precise pathway for its return. We now have nothing however reward for the willpower and laborious work proven by Motorsport UK in bringing this undertaking to life.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Scottish Authorities and native authority companions to see this thrilling initiative come to fruition – one thing that can profit many, and particularly the passionate rally followers throughout the UK.”
ENDS
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About Fédération Internationale de l’Car (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l’Car (FIA) is the governing physique for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It’s a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving innovation and championing security, sustainability and equality throughout motor sport and mobility.
Based in 1904, with places of work in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings collectively 245 Member Organisations throughout 5 continents, representing hundreds of thousands of highway customers, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces rules for motor sport, together with six FIA World Championships, to make sure worldwide competitions are protected and truthful for all.
