The BBC will broadcast the World Rally Championship in the United Kingdom for the first time since 2001.
As part of a new three-year agreement starting in 2027, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) will show live coverage of a number of stages, including the powerstage, from each round of the world championship. A one-hour highlights program will be screened the following week, with further digital clips and additional content across BBC platforms.
It has also promised “extensive live coverage across all four days of competition” for Rally Scotland, which joins the WRC next year.
The coverage will be delivered through a collaboration between BBC Scotland, BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Northern Ireland, and will be available to view via the BBC’s streaming service iPlayer.
Éric Boullier, CEO of WRC Promoter, said: “Our partnership with the BBC marks an important step in our strategy to grow the WRC’s reach and visibility in the UK.
“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.
“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.”
Rhuanedd Richards, director BBC Nations, added: “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.
“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 is particularly exciting and we look forward to capturing all the thrills and excitement for audiences when it kicks off next year.”
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.”
The last time the BBC broadcast WRC coverage was also the last time a British driver won the championship, with Richard Burns claiming the 2001 title.
This year, Welshman Elfyn Evans carries a 17-point lead into Rally Italy Sardinia’s season finale, which begins in two weeks’ time.
