World stars and championship battles in store at the Voly Grampian Forest Rally

The countdown is on to one of the biggest motorsport events ever staged in north-east Scotland, with the Voly Grampian Forest Rally set to bring together current FIA World Rally Championship stars, the country’s leading domestic competitors and thousands of fans for a spectacular weekend of action on 7/8 August.

Based in Banchory and organised by Stonehaven & District Motor Club, this year’s event promises to be one of the most memorable in the rally’s history. Not only does the Voly Grampian Forest Rally mark the long-awaited return of the 2026 Motorsport UK British Rally Championship after its extended summer break, but it also forms a crucial round of the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship whilst welcoming an extraordinary line-up of World Rally Championship competitors preparing for Rally Scotland’s inclusion into the WRC calendar next year.

With 57 competitive miles across 10 demanding forest stages, crews will tackle some of Britain’s finest gravel roads in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend for competitors and spectators alike.

\

The forests of Aberdeenshire have become an important proving ground for many of the world’s leading rally teams and current FIA World Rally Championship leaders Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin adorn an outstanding list of international entries, with the Toyota Gazoo Racing pair bringing a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 to continue preparations for next year’s world championship visit to Scotland, fresh from a Rally Finland podium.

Joining them are M-Sport World Rally Team’s Jon Armstrong and Shane Byrne in a Ford Fiesta Rally2, whilst WRC2 contenders Romet Jürgenson and Siim Oja return to an event where they impressed twelve months ago with a string of fastest stage times.

The international flavour continues with WRC2 title challengers Yohan Rossel and Arnaud Dunand, alongside Nikolay Gryazin and Konstantin Aleksandrov, who will both make the UK competition debut of the new Lancia Ypsilon HF Rally2.

It marks Lancia’s first appearance on a British Rally Championship event since the late 1980s, adding another fascinating chapter to the event’s history.Multiple American rally champion Brandon Semenuk will also make the trip over from Canada for the event in a Skoda Fabia Rally2.

While the world championship stars will undoubtedly attract plenty of attention, they face a formidable challenge from Britain’s leading rally crews, who resume their battle for British Rally Championship honours after the cancellation of the Kielder Carlisle Stages created an extended mid-season break.

Osian Pryce and James Morgan arrive leading the standings after victory on the opening Severn Valley Stages, but their advantage is just three points over Scotland’s own Max McRae and Cammy Fair. McRae claimed a hugely popular victory on the Borders Competitions Jim Clark Rally and will be eager to continue his momentum on home gravel.

Castrol MEM Rally Team’s Meirion Evans and Dale Furniss remain firmly in title contention after two consecutive runner-up finishes and sit just four points behind the championship leaders, ensuring the Grampian could prove pivotal in shaping this year’s title race.

Alongside the British Rally Championship, the Voly Grampian Forest Rally also plays host to another crucial chapter in the Asset Alliance Group Scottish Rally Championship.

Four-time winner this season Garry Pearson arrives in Banchory carrying the momentum after inheriting victory on the recent RSAC Scottish Rally. Although the 2021 Scottish champion had looked set for second place for much of the event, late drama for British Rally Championship contender Max McRae handed Pearson and co-driver Jack Morton another maximum points haul, strengthened further by successfully playing their Joker.

That result has drawn Pearson level at the top of the standings with Mark McCulloch and co-driver Michael Hendry, the pair locked together on 125 points heading into the Grampian. With competitors counting their best five scores from seven rounds, Pearson has the opportunity to secure the championship this weekend should results fall his way.

McCulloch has enjoyed another hugely consistent campaign in his distinctive Proton Satria Evo, collecting podium finishes and valuable points throughout the season to remain firmly in the title hunt. While outright pace has often belonged to the Rally2 machinery, consistency has ensured the reigning championship leader remains every bit as dangerous.

Alex Vassallo and Chris Lees remain within striking distance on 108 points after another impressive display on the RSAC Scottish Rally, where they claimed a superb runner-up finish.

The combination of World Rally Championship regulars, Britain’s finest rally talent and Scotland’s leading competitors creates one of the strongest entry lists ever assembled for the Grampian Forest Rally, ensuring every stage will offer fans an incredible spectacle both on and off the stages.

King George V Park in Banchory will host the popular Rally Zone throughout the weekend, giving fans the opportunity to get up close to the cars and crews during scrutineering, the ceremonial start, regroups and finish celebrations. The Rally Zone will also feature trade stands, displays and plenty of opportunities to experience the atmosphere of one of Scotland’s premier motorsport events, all free of charge.

For those wanting to witness the competition first-hand, dedicated spectator areas will once again be available, including the spectacular BA Barn Arena near Kintore, where fans can enjoy unrivalled views of the action in a purpose-built viewing location complete with parking and facilities. Other spectacular forest locations include the Durris, Finglennie and Strathgyle tests, meaning fans have plenty of options to witness the speed and commitment of modern rallying on some of Britain’s finest forest roads.

With the World Rally Championship’s biggest names, Britain’s premier domestic championship, Scotland’s finest competitors and thousands of passionate fans all converging on Banchory, the stage is set for one of the most exciting editions of the Voly Grampian Forest Rally ever held.

For event information, spectator guides, entry lists and the latest updates, visit the Voly Grampian Forest Rally website and follow the event across its official social media channels.