Top-tier WRC crews are trading Finland’s jumps for Scotland’s forests this weekend.
The Voly Grampian Forest Rally in Aberdeenshire is hosting a star-studded entry, with drivers using the domestic event as a first look at the fast gravel roads set to feature in the new WRC Rally Scotland debut in autumn 2027.
Big Names, Big Test
Headlining the entry are current WRC championship leaders Elfyn Evans and Scott Martin. The pair will drive a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 just five days after standing on the podium at Secto Rally Finland.
It will be Evans’ first competitive run on home soil since Wales Rally GB in 2019.
“My knowledge of this area is pretty limited, so the Grampian is a really valuable chance to get some miles in,” Evans said. “The roads here should share a lot with what we’ll see for Rally Scotland next year.”
They’re joined by WRC regulars Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin, all looking to learn stages like Durris and Finglennie — classic, fast forest tracks that mirror the terrain expected for the 2027 Aberdeen-based WRC round.
More Than Just A Rally
Based around Banchory and Milton of Crathes in north-east Scotland, the August 7-8 event doubles as a round of both the British Rally Championship and Scottish Rally Championship.
Crucially, it’s also acting as a high-profile candidate event for Scotland’s bid to join the World Rally Championship calendar.
After 75 years of Finland, the WRC circus is getting its first proper taste of Scottish forests. And for Evans and co, the homework starts now.
