For years, Malcolm Wilson’s vision was tunnelled in the direction of success on the stages. As a driver and as a team principal, he wanted to win rallies and he wanted to win championships. Nothing else mattered.
In his role as deputy president of the FIA, the Englishman is still chasing success, but the definition of a big win has shifted slightly. Talking to Wilson after the announcement of the 2027 calendar, his excitement is obvious. And this goes way beyond the return of the beloved Scottish roads where he carved his career.
It goes way beyond the return of Rally US, finally adding one of the world’s most pivotal car markets to the WRC’s portfolio.
It’s about the future. For the first time in almost 20 years, the WRC calendar is up to 15 events. Privately, there’s an acceptance that this number is not enough. We’ve done 16 before and there’s even been talk of 18. Those days are coming back.
We know it’s not about flicking a switch, it will take time.Malcolm Wilson
“There’s no way we could share the list,” smiled Wilson, “but I have to tell you that the interest to have a WRC event… it’s fair to say the demand has never been so strong. Okay, I haven’t been involved before with the FIA, or the promoter, but certainly the interest we’re seeing for new events and, to be honest, there are some really interesting discussions about places I never thought [about] but can add even more value to the championship moving forwards.
“It is very, very encouraging.”
Wilson pointed to the calendar news, as well as the recently announced return of Ford as a solid indication that the WRC is on the up.
“We know we have work to do,” he said. “We know it’s not about flicking a switch, it will take time, but we’re certainly starting to move in the right direction. I think it tells you that people are now going to see what the potential of WRC really is.”
