World Rally Championship coming to north east
The North East is set for a major economic boost from the World Rally Championship.
In 2027, the WRC Rally Scotland will begin a three-year run, with stages hosted on forest roads in Aberdeenshire.
The agreement follows funding support from the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council.
The rally will be based at P&J Live in Aberdeen, with facilities including an indoor service park, rally headquarters, event arena and conference and seminar space. Stages will run on closed forest gravel roads across Aberdeenshire, providing a compact route built around proven infrastructure and some of the UK’s best gravel rally stages.
The event, which hasn't been to Scotland since 1992, is expected to be allocated an autumn slot in 2027, with the exact dates to be confirmed when the FIA finalises the championship calendar later this year.
David Richards CBE, Chairman of Motorsport UK, said:
“Rallying has always held a special place in the story of British motorsport and, for me personally, it has been a huge part of my life. Having experienced the World Rally Championship from inside a rally car, I know just how unique the atmosphere of a UK rally can be — the forests, the fans and the extraordinary community of volunteers and motor clubs who make these events so special.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council for their commitment to this event. Their support has made it possible to bring the World Rally Championship back to the UK, and Scotland provides a spectacular stage for the next chapter of that story.”