A big surprise has hit the rally world. The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) has officially announced that the BBC will broadcast live coverage of the series from 2027. This three-year deal, running until 2029, brings WRC back to free-to-air screens in the UK after a long absence.
For rally fans there, this is clearly welcome news. The BBC, which once was the UK's live home of Formula 1 and MotoGP, will present coverage of all WRC rounds from 2027 to 2029. They are also preparing extensive programming for Rally Scotland, which will be the first UK WRC round since 2019.
So, what can viewers expect? Every round will get a one-hour highlight programme. In addition, there will be live coverage of selected stages, including the final Power Stage. Rally Scotland itself will receive four days of extensive live coverage, plus digital clips and highlights across BBC platforms.
The broadcast will involve collaboration between BBC Scotland, Cymru Wales, and Northern Ireland. Rhuanedd Richards, BBC Nations director, called this a fantastic addition to their sports portfolio. "The World Rally Championship combines elite sporting competition with dramatic locations and compelling stories, making it a natural fit for the BBC," she said. She also added that the return of Rally Scotland to the WRC calendar is particularly exciting.
From the promoter side, WRC Promoter CEO Eric Boullier—formerly known as McLaren team boss—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," Boullier said. According to him, the combination of BBC's television, digital, and social platforms will help introduce rally to a new generation.
However, amid this good news, WRC also announced less pleasant news. The 2026 season finale, originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia, has been cancelled due to the ongoing war in Iran. As a result, the final round will be moved to Sardinia on the weekend of 1-4 October.
This decision certainly affects the competitive landscape towards the end of the season. Teams and drivers must quickly adjust their logistics and performance strategies to face the season finale on Sardinia's rough terrain. Meanwhile, the certainty of BBC coverage from 2027 is a breath of fresh air for the future of rallying in the UK, which has long been awaited by loyal fans.
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