Robert Reid, the 2001 WRC champion co-driver and current motorsport consultant, has endorsed Rally Scotland as a strong candidate for the World Rally Championship calendar. Speaking at a recent motorsport forum, Reid emphasized the event's untapped potential to attract global attention.
"Scotland has everything you'd want in a WRC round – demanding stages, unpredictable weather, and incredible scenery," Reid stated. "The passion of local fans could make it one of the championship's standout events."
The proposed rally would utilize Scotland's mix of forest gravel tracks and technical tarmac roads, similar to legendary events like Rally Finland. Organizers are reportedly in early discussions with WRC Promoter about a potential slot in the 2025-2026 season.
Scotland last hosted a WRC round in 1992 with the RAC Rally, which included stages across the UK. A modern iteration would likely focus exclusively on Scottish terrain, with possible bases in Perth or Inverness. The Scottish government has expressed support for the bid, citing tourism and economic impact benefits.
Reid, who co-drove for Richard Burns to their 2001 title, stressed the importance of sustainable planning. "The key is balancing spectator access with environmental responsibility," he noted. "Scotland's natural landscapes are part of the appeal, so we must protect them."