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Article published 23/03/2026

The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) will return to the UK in 2027 with a new event. Rally Scotland will be headquartered in Aberdeen and delivered on forest stages across the northeast of Scotland.

Motorsport UK has agreed a three year deal with WRC Promoter GmbH to bring the championship back to the UK from 2027 to 2029, supported by funding from the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council, and Aberdeenshire Council.

P&J Live at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) will host the rally headquarters, indoor service park, event arena, and seminar spaces.

Stages will be held on closed gravel roads across Aberdeenshire, creating a compact route built around proven infrastructure and some of the UK’s most celebrated rally terrain. 

The championship’s return is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and neighbouring areas, supporting local businesses and showcasing the region on the global stage.

End of hiatus for a UK round

The announcement marks the end of a seven year hiatus for a UK round of the championship. The UK has been part of the World Rally Championship's story since 1973 until 2019.

Since then, Motorsport UK has worked closely with WRC Promoter and partners, including VisitScotland and VisitAberdeenshire, to design a refreshed model that is commercially resilient, regionally valuable, and aligned with the long term development of the visitor economy.

The northeast of Scotland was selected for its blend of sporting challenges, strong transport links, hotel capacity, and striking natural landscapes. Its forests, coastline, and mountains provide an ideal backdrop for a sport renowned for its dramatic, broadcast-friendly settings.

  

A World Rally Championship's car during a race. Credit: Motor Sport UK

With Aberdeen International Airport located next to the rally hub, the event will be easily accessible for teams, media, and visitors from across the UK, Europe, and further afield.

Rally Scotland will also reflect the championship’s increasing focus on sustainability, with World Rally Championship cars competing on 100% fossil-free fuel.

The event will work with partners across Scotland’s growing sustainable fuel sector and will develop community and social impact programmes ahead of 2027.

Final dates will be confirmed when the FIA publishes its 2027 calendar later this year.

Further details, including route information, stage locations, and opportunities for local businesses and volunteers to get involved, will be announced in the coming months. 

After an absence of 35 years, the return of Rally Scotland is an exciting addition to the country’s world‑class events and festivals programme, further strengthening Scotland’s position as a must-visit, must-return destination.

This landmark event will enhance the North East’s reputation as a major event host region, combining outstanding natural scenery with the infrastructure needed for a world‑level sporting occasion.

It is set to deliver significant benefits for the local visitor economy by attracting new audiences, while at the same time generating wide‑ranging economic, social and cultural impacts.

Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events, VisitScotland

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. Scotland provides a spectacular stage for the next chapter of that story.

David Richards CBE, Chairman, Motorsport UK

The Scottish Government is delighted to have played a role in bringing the World Rally Championship back to Scotland.

This is the first time that a round of the event will be staged solely in Scotland and is a huge moment for Scottish motorsport.

It is also an opportunity to attract thousands of visitors, teams, and fans from around the world, bringing significant benefits boosting local and national economies.

Scotland has a growing reputation for hosting world-class events and WRC Rally Scotland will showcase our country on the global sporting stage, inspire communities, and promote Scotland internationally.

Richard Lochhead MSP, Minister for Business

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