Aberdeen drives forward with World Rally Championship bid

The world event could be worth millions to the north east economy, according to Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeen City Council has moved a step closer on a joint bid to host the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from 2027.

The local authority gave the green light for an agreement with Motorsport UK which will allow it to submit an application to host the event in the city and surrounding area.

Council co-leader Ian Yuill told the finance and resources committee: "It would be very exciting to bring the prestigious World Rally Championships to the area.

"There are a lot of rally fans in the region and across the world so it would be a popular event, particularly on the back of the successful Tall Ships where the city showed the world what we have to offer."

The last time the WRC was held in the UK was in 2019

The north east of Scotland has been identified by Motorsport UK, EventScotland and WRC Promoter as a preferred host location for the event, which would run for an initial period of three years from 2027.

P&J Live in Aberdeen could be used for the service park area and operational hub, with rally stages held across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray.

In order to submit the bid, an agreement called a memorandum of understanding would have to be agreed from all partners, including Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council and the Scottish government.

The partners would be required to agree on funding and support. The costs would be shared between the three councils.

WRC commentator Colin Clark said the event would have exponential benefits

At a previous Aberdeen City Council meeting, it was stated that the expected economic impact of hosting the event could be up to £80m.

The last time the UK welcomed the world's top drivers and teams was for Wales Rally GB in 2019.

Colin Clark, from Dundee, has been commentating on the World Rally Championship for 25 years, and said the event was an incredible opportunity for the region.

He said: "There is a global audience and a global appetite for the WRC and to put Aberdeen slap-bang in the centre of that can only be good.

"There are many, many benefits but it really is a tremendously laudable move by the council to back such a prestigious project.

"It is ambitious but it is absolutely do-able."