Voly Grampian Forest Rally is perfect preparation for World Rally Championship return

Aberdeenshire’s round of the British Rally Championship [BRC], the Voly Grampian Forest Rally, welcomes the growing momentum behind plans to bring the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) back to the UK and firmly supports the north-east of Scotland as a future host region.

With proposals underway to secure a multi-year WRC event in the area, August’s Grampian Rally, promoted by Stonehaven Motor Club, is ready to demonstrate the region’s world-class competitive rallying potential and appeal.

Recent discussions between the sports governing body Motorsport UK and Aberdeen City Council suggest the WRC could make its long-awaited return to Great Britain from 2027, with Aberdeen and surrounding Aberdeenshire and Moray roads under consideration as part of a bid that would see the global series visit Scotland for the first time in decades. The WRC is a truly international spectacle, attracting millions of viewers worldwide and bringing significant economic benefit to host areas.

“The north-east of Scotland has some absolutely outstanding forest roads and regional infrastructure,” said Graham Provest, Clerk of the Course of the Voly Grampian Forest Rally. 

“Many of the special stages that make up our forest event are comparable in character and challenge to the type of terrain required by the WRC. To see the world’s best drivers tackling similar stages here would be a remarkable moment for the sport and for this region.”

Since its inception in the 1970’s, the Grampian Forest Rally [formally the Granite City Rally] has been a cornerstone of national championship rallying, showcasing the ultra-fast forestry roads, tight technical tests and spectator-friendly locations that make Scotland an ideal rallying destination. The event continues to attract competitors from across the UK and abroad as part of the British and Scottish Rally Championships [SRC], proving the enduring appeal of the region’s stages and rally culture.

“As we’ve always said, the Grampian Rally provides not only a thrilling competition for crews, but also insight into what international rallying can look like in north-east Scotland,” Provest added.

“Our stages demonstrate exactly why the region is being seriously considered for the WRC. We’re fully supportive of the bid and excited by the prospect of seeing world-class motorsport here.”

“Crews looking to get a taste of the stages and what could well be included in a WRC round in the future are more than welcome to head to the Grampian on the 7/8 August. We have built a hugely successful event over the years and will welcome the BRC and SRC back to the region for another top-level motorsport weekend.”

Economic analysis from local authorities highlights the substantial wider benefits that major sporting events can deliver, reinforcing the value of international motorsport to tourism and local business growth.

The Voly Grampian Forest Rally looks forward to continuing to play a key role in Scotland’s rallying calendar and supports any efforts to bring the WRC home to the UK for the first time since 2019.