When the UK lost its World Rally Championship( WRC) round back in 2019, and the subsequent cancellation of the 2020 event due to COVID, its absence was keenly felt. In equal measure, when the world stage returns to Scotland next year, it should herald a new era for British rallying.

It’ s hard to understate its significance, as British Rally Championship( BRC) Media Manager Matt Cotton explains:“ The WRC reaches the wider public, that’ s the weight it carries, and it’ s been massively missed. It gets people thinking‘ this is pretty cool, what’ s it all about?’

Sam Mason and James Seymore finished third among the British Rally Championship runners on the Grampian Rally

“ The knock-on effect has been well proven – when Rally GB was in North Wales, the Cambrian Rally had far more spectators in the following years because it put rallying on the radar. I’ m sure it will be the same when the WRC comes to Scotland.”

Motorsport UK’ s Jonathan Jackson believes having the WRC back is“ crucial to the longevity of the sport” in the UK – because it is more than just an event. He adds:“ The beauty of an event like Rally Scotland is that it means different things for different people...”

THE BUZZ The international stage takes things to another level and in motorsport, the UK always rises to the occasion. Whether you’ re an official, a spectator or a competitor, the status of Rally Scotland is set to make things extra special.

The WRC brings a different vibe. Tom Cave experienced it first-hand as a spectator and then a driver at Wales Rally GB – and there was always one thing that stood out.

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