Great news for rally fans in the UK: the BBC will broadcast the World Rally Championship (WRC) again starting in 2027. The three-year agreement marks the return of WRC to BBC screens for the first time since 2001, the era when Richard Burns became the last British world champion.
In the recently announced deal, the BBC will show live coverage from each round of the world championship, plus a one-hour highlights program the following week. Not only that, the BBC has also promised "extensive live coverage across all four days of competition" for Rally Scotland, which joins the WRC calendar next year. Coverage will be delivered through a collaboration between BBC Scotland, BBC Cymru Wales, and BBC Northern Ireland, and will be available via the BBC's streaming service iPlayer.
WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier welcomed the partnership. "Our partnership with the BBC marks an important step in our strategy to grow the WRC's reach and visibility in the UK," he said. "The BBC is one of the country's most trusted and influential media organizations, and its powerful combination of television, digital and social platforms gives us a unique opportunity to reconnect with existing rally fans while introducing the championship to a new generation."
Boullier also emphasized the perfect timing with Rally Scotland joining the calendar next year. "With Rally Scotland joining the calendar next year, the timing could not be better to strengthen the WRC's presence in such an important and historic market for rallying," he added.
Rhuanedd Richards, director BBC Nations, added that this is a fantastic addition to their sports portfolio. "This is a fantastic addition to our sports portfolio with teams across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland coming together to bring audiences one of the world's most thrilling motorsport championships," said Richards. "The World Rally Championship combines elite sporting competition with dramatic locations and compelling stories, making it a natural fit for the BBC."
The return of Rally Scotland to the WRC calendar was also met with enthusiasm by Richards. "The return of Rally Scotland to the WRC calendar is particularly exciting and we look forward to capturing all the thrills and excitement for audiences when it kicks off next year," she said.
Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO, described the deal as "a major moment for our sport" with free-to-view coverage helping to "reach long-standing fans, welcome new audiences and show why the WRC's return in 2027 is such an important step for British motorsport."
Meanwhile, on the stages, Welsh driver Elfyn Evans currently leads the championship with a 17-point advantage ahead of Rally Italy Sardinia, the season finale, which begins in two weeks. The return of WRC to the BBC and a potential title for Evans could herald a long-awaited revival of British rallying.
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