WRC drivers share verdict on Rally Scotland stages ahead of 2027

World Rally Championship drivers got a first taste of what Rally Scotland will offer in 2027, after sampling the stages at the Grampian Forest Rally last weekend.

Championship leader Elfyn Evans and Rally1 colleague Jon Armstrong were among the international stars in Aberdeenshire, testing the routes that could feature in next year's WRC round.

Evans, who last competed in UK forests at Rally GB 2019, was impressed by the character of the stages. "Overall, the stages are nice. They're pretty fast, maybe a bit on the fast side in some sections, but fine," he said.

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"It's not so dissimilar to Wales. The surface is a bit different, naturally faster here, not as flowing, and more cambered. Wales is probably the closest thing we've seen," Evans added, also highlighting the challenge ahead for 2027.

Armstrong, who won the Grampian Forest Rally by 9.3 seconds over team-mate Romet Jurgenson, enjoyed the Scottish roads. "They're a good mixture of flowing, camber and some nice cuts. Hopefully they don't put anti-cuts everywhere next year," he said.

Spectator interest was also a highlight. Both Evans and Armstrong were encouraged by the turnout, especially at Friday evening's 'rally zone'. "There were a lot of people, a lot of young people asking for autographs. It shows the appetite is here," said Armstrong.

FIA officials, including safety delegate Nicolas Klinger, gave a positive assessment. "Honestly, no major concerns, just fine-tuning," Klinger said. The service park at Aberdeen P&J Live Arena was also praised as WRC-standard.