FIA Press Releases
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WRC set for UK return with Rally Scotland from 2027
Safety newsThe FIA World Rally Championship is set to return to the United Kingdom in 2027 with the introduction of WRC Rally Scotland, marking the series’ highly-anticipated comeback to one of rallying’s most historic territories.
Developed in partnership with Motorsport UK, the new gravel event will be based in north-east Scotland, with rally headquarters and service park facilities located at the state-of-the-art P&J Live complex in Aberdeen. Stages will run across the surrounding regions of Aberdeenshire and Moray.
The agreement forms an initial three-year deal beginning in 2027 and ends a seven-year absence for the championship in the UK, following the most recent running of Wales Rally GB in 2019.
Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and world-class forest roads are expected to provide a spectacular sporting challenge for the WRC’s leading drivers and manufacturers, while the region’s infrastructure and transport links offer a strong platform for teams, media and fans attending the event.
The rally has been secured through a partnership between Motorsport UK, WRC Promoter and the Scottish Government, with support from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils. Together, the stakeholders aim to establish Rally Scotland as a major international sporting event delivering significant economic and tourism benefits for the region.
The next step to make WRC Rally Scotland a reality will be for a Candidate Event to be held later this year, where the FIA will work with Motorsport UK and event organisers to evaluate and prepare for a return to World Championship-level competition. The event will then be submitted for approval on the WRC calendar by the FIA World Motor Sport Council.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, FIA President, said:
"The United Kingdom is famed for its motorsport heritage and passionate fans, and the return of the FIA World Rally Championship to its shores is a huge opportunity for the continued growth of our sport. This return reflects the growing global appeal of rallying and the FIA's commitment to celebrating world-class motorsport culture globally.
"As we expand into new markets and reach new audiences - from the United States and South America, to Europe and the Middle East - we continue to drive the championship forward. The introduction of the new WRC27 regulatory package next year marks the beginning of a new era for rallying across the world as the championship goes from strength to strength."Malcolm Wilson, FIA Deputy President for Sport, said:
“This is a huge announcement for the FIA World Rally Championship, and it really shows the positive direction of travel we are now taking. The United Kingdom has incredible heritage and passion for our sport, and the return of a flagship world championship event is the start of the next chapter in this long history. As we enter a new era for the WRC in 2027 with new regulations, more accessible cars and more crews fighting at the sharp end, it’s fantastic to see the appetite is there from organisers, governments and of course the fans to put together new WRC events. Alongside Motorsport UK, the WRC Promoter and the local organisers we are very much looking forward to making these plans a reality.”
Simon Larkin, Senior Events Director at WRC Promoter, said:
“Since the FIA World Rally Championship last visited the UK in 2019, Motorsport UK and WRC Promoter have worked closely together to find the right pathway for its return. We have nothing but praise for the determination and hard work shown by Motorsport UK in bringing this project to life.
“We’re delighted to be working alongside the Scottish Government and local authority partners to see this exciting initiative come to fruition - something that will benefit many, and especially the passionate rally fans across the UK.”
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sven Good, Road Sport Communications Manager: Sgood@fia.com
About Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
World Rally ChampionshipWRCWRC
SEASON 2026Safety1SafetyWorld Rally ChampionshipWRCSEASON 2026WRC00Monday, March 16, 2026 - 6:27pmMonday, March 16, 2026 - 6:27pm -
Solberg holds narrow Safari Rally Kenya lead over Ogier after demanding Friday
Sport newsSolberg started the day with a comfortable advantage in his Toyota GR Yaris Rally1, but saw it significantly reduced as nine-time world champion Sébastien Ogier mounted an afternoon challenge to close to within a single second by the overnight halt.
Friday’s action was paused when extreme conditions forced the cancellation of SS3 Camp Moran after severe rutting left sections of the stage inaccessible to both medical and technical intervention vehicles. Crews instead started their day on the 18.95km Loldia stage.
Solberg’s morning was not without incident. The 24-year-old ran wide into the bushes on the opening test of the day, losing around 10sec, before re-establishing his rhythm across the remainder of the morning loop.
Conditions evolved once more during the afternoon as drying surfaces exposed sharp rocks and deep ruts on the second pass of the stages.
Ogier made the most of the changing conditions, setting the fastest time on SS7 and SS9 to steadily reduce Solberg’s lead. The rally leader’s margin was dealt a major blow on SS8 when he suffered a rear-right puncture, losing approximately 30sec as he guided his Toyota through the stage.
By the time crews completed the final Mzabibu test of the day, the gap between the leading pair had been reduced to just 1.0sec.
Toyota Gazoo Racing held the top three positions at the end of the leg. Championship leader Elfyn Evans completed a 1-2-3 for the team in third overall, 20.5sec behind Ogier, after spending much of the day managing balance issues with his GR Yaris Rally1.
Sami Pajari delivered one of the standout performances of the leg to hold fourth overall. The Finn recovered from a near-roll on the morning’s Loldia stage to win both SS5 Geothermal and SS6 Kedong, before adding another fastest time on the closing SS10 despite carrying a 20sec penalty for checking out of midday service late.
Toyota appeared set to occupy five of the top positions until disaster struck Takamoto Katsuta on SS7. A double-front puncture forced the Japanese driver to carefully manage the remainder of the day without a spare wheel, dropping him to seventh overall behind Hyundai Shell Mobis World Rally Team drivers Thierry Neuville and Adrien Fourmaux.
Neuville stalled under braking on SS4 and was also required to repair a damaged radiator during the afternoon. The Belgian recovered to complete the leg in fifth overall, 5.0sec ahead of team-mate Fourmaux.
Esapekka Lappi ended the day eighth overall in his Hyundai i20 N Rally1 after an eventful run that included an unusual wildlife encounter. On SS9, the Finn slowed to first gear while following a family of giraffes crossing the road for around 300 metres before continuing. He later slid into a tree near the finish of the stage.
The demanding Kenyan terrain also proved punishing for M-Sport Ford World Rally Team. Josh McErlean retired on SS7 after a heavy impact in a braking zone, which caused a puncture, damage to the sump guard and a terminal gearbox oil leak.
Team-mate Jon Armstrong also encountered trouble when a rear suspension arm broke on SS9. The Irishman and co-driver Shane Byrne completed a roadside repair before nursing their Puma Rally1 through the final stage to reach the overnight halt.
In WRC2, Robert Virves moved into the category lead after overhauling Gus Greensmith during the afternoon. Greensmith was managing a gearbox issue and adopted a cautious approach, allowing Virves to build a 14.5sec advantage heading into Saturday.
World Rally ChampionshipWRCWRC
SEASON 2026SportRallies1SportWorld Rally ChampionshipRalliesWRCSEASON 2026WRC00Friday, March 13, 2026 - 5:50pmFriday, March 13, 2026 - 5:50pm -
FIA Awards set for Shanghai spectacular
FIA newsThe Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, is delighted to confirm that the 2026 edition of the FIA Awards will take place in Shanghai, China, on Saturday 12 December. Ahead of the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix, the FIA has unveiled the striking visual identity and theme of ‘Harmony in Motion’ as preparations for the glittering end-of-year gala begin.
With the stars of the FIA Formula One World Championship ready to take to the track at the Shanghai International Circuit for the second race of the 2026 season, this announcement ensures that the standout performers at the end of the campaign will return to Shanghai to be celebrated alongside fellow World Champions and stars from across the sport.
This year’s theme – Harmony in Motion – is rooted in Chinese tradition and culture, encapsulating the balance of power and control needed to find success on the track or rally stage. Throughout 2026, we will be reminded time and again of Harmony in Motion as we follow the twists and turns of campaigns across the FIA’s six World Championships:- The FIA Formula One World Championship
- The FIA World Endurance Championship
- The FIA World Rally Championship
- The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
- The FIA World Rally-Raid Championship
- The FIA Karting World Championships
The top finishers from these categories will receive their trophies at the FIA Awards, where they will be joined by racing and rally legends, outstanding officials and representatives from across the world of motor sport.
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China has rapidly grown into a powerhouse of international competition, with this weekend’s FIA Formula 1 Grand Prix joined on the calendar by numerous headline FIA events. Two race weekends in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Sanya and Shanghai, a hugely popular round of the FIA EcoRally Cup, two rounds of the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour in Chengdu and Zhouzhou and of course the iconic Macau Grand Prix, which this year will reach its 73rd edition, all make for a clear demonstration of the importance of the country and the wider region for motor sport.
With FIA World Championship-level endurance racing and touring car events having also been hosted in Shanghai in recent years, the stunning metropolis that lines the Huandong River is without doubt an international hub for the sport, and moreover a focal point for innovation in the mobility sector. With Chinese carmakers among the fastest growing in the world, the event will take place at the centre of a city that continues to drive the automotive sector into a new era.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “China plays a vital role in global motorsport, both as a host of world-class racing events and as a key partner in the continued growth and innovation of our sport. I am delighted that we will return to the country to honour this season’s World Champions.
This year’s theme celebrates the values that define collaboration across our global community, reflecting the strong partnership between the FIA, the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China, and the Shanghai Administration of Sports, and our shared commitment to strengthening motorsport across the region.”
President of Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle Sports of China, Zhan Guojun, said: “Motor sport in China wouldn't be where it is today without the FIA guiding us and our partners backing us all the way. Think about it: from the roar of F1 to the green speed of Formula E, from the legends at Macau to our own drivers making waves globally, we’ve seen this culture truly take off here. At CAMF, we see ourselves as the bridge. We’re here to get everyone excited about racing and to show that speed and passion speak the same language, no matter where you’re from.
“We know that working closely with the FIA is the secret sauce for taking motor sport in China and Asia to the next level. That’s why we’re so pumped to team up with the FIA and the Shanghai Sports Administration for this amazing night. It’s not just about celebrating the winners from the past year; it’s about looking forward and dreaming big for the future of racing together.”
FIA1FIAAll fia sportFIA Awards00Thursday, March 12, 2026 - 12:54amThursday, March 12, 2026 - 12:54am -
WEC: Qatar 1812km postponed, season to start at Imola
FIA newsFIA WEC management has been in constant dialogue with the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) in light of the current and evolving geopolitical situation in the Middle East. With the safety and security of competitors, personnel and fans of the utmost importance, the decision has been taken to delay the event that had been due to take place on 26-28 March.
Following further discussions with our colleagues at Lusail International Circuit (LIC), where the race is held, a new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the campaign will be finalised and communicated in due course.
The first round of the season will consequently now be the 6 Hours of Imola in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy on 17-19 April.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), said: “The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority, and I thank our Member Club the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, Lusail International Circuit, the ACO and our championship colleagues for the measured and collaborative approach that has led to this decision.
“As the opening event of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Qatar 1812km holds a special place for many fans, drivers and teams alike, and we will work closely with all involved to reschedule the race for later in the 2026 season.
“The FIA continues to monitor developments across the region and our thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events as we hope for calm, safety and a return to stability.”Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President, Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit, said: “Following in-depth discussions with the FIA World Endurance Championship and all relevant stakeholders, the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit respect and support FIA WEC’s decision to postpone the Qatar 1812km race.
“We thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and continued support, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”
Pierre Fillon, President, Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), said: “First and foremost, I must stress that our primary thoughts are with the victims of this terrible conflict. At times like these, sporting interests are clearly secondary, which is why a decision has been quickly taken that the event cannot proceed at the present time.
“We are working hard with Lusail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation to find the best alternative to allow the Qatar 1812km to take place at a later date in 2026, and we thank all parties for their earnest support, cooperation and understanding in this matter.”
Frédéric Lequien, CEO, FIA World Endurance Championship, said: “The Qatar 1812km is an integral part of the FIA WEC calendar, and I offer my sincere thanks to Lusail International Circuit and the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation for their close collaboration.
“We have all been working hand-in-hand since Saturday morning to find the best solution for staging the event, and while we still need a few more days to finalise the exact revised date, I can confirm it will be during the second half of the 2026 season. We will provide more information as soon as it is available.”
World Endurance ChampionshipWECEnduranceCircuitWEC
SEASON 2026FIACircuit1FIAWorld Endurance ChampionshipCircuitWECSEASON 2026WECEnduranceCircuit00Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 4:30pmTuesday, March 3, 2026 - 4:30pm -
Brazil's truck racing series switches to 100% renewable biofuel
Sport newsCopa Truck, one of South America’s most prominent motor sport series, which is governed by Brazil’s FIA Member Club, the Confederação Brasileira de Automobilismo (CBA), will run all trucks on 100% Be8 BeVant, a drop-in renewable biodiesel that does not require any technical adaptations to the trucks.
The CBA and the Automóvel Association of Brazil have expressed their support for the initiative, describing it as a meaningful step toward decarbonisation in a national-level series.
The product, which has already been trialled during pre-season testing, delivers the same performance levels while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 99%, taking into account the entire lifecycle — from harvesting and production to its use in competition.
The move mirrors efforts led by the FIA Truck Racing Commission, on which Brazil is represented by multiple national truck racing champion and former IndyCar driver Felipe Giaffone.
Since 2019, the Commission has pursued a sustainability roadmap aimed at progressively introducing environmentally friendly power sources to truck racing.
In 2021, the FIA European Truck Racing Championship became the first FIA-regulated competition to switch to 100% sustainable fuel, adopting HVO100 biodiesel supplied by TotalEnergies.
Brazil’s national championship now joins that wider transition toward sustainability in truck racing.
“One of the FIA’s key objectives in truck racing in recent years has been to transform the discipline in the realm of sustainability," said Ignacio Fernandez, FIA Truck Racing Commission President.
"The Goodyear FIA European Truck Racing Championship has now been running on sustainable biofuel for several years, and it is very encouraging to see national series adopting the same best practices. As the governing body of world motor sport, our role is also to ensure that our knowledge and expertise are shared with our Member Clubs,”he concluded.
The agreement also makes Be8 BeVant as the series’ title partner, with the championship now officially known as Copa Truck Be8 BeVant. The 2026 season will feature nine rounds, beginning on 8 March in Campo Grande and concluding on 29 November in Brasília, with visits to Interlagos in São Paulo and Goiânia among the highlights.
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SportCircuit1SportCircuitAll fia sportSport Clubs AmericasClubsCircuitTruck00Wednesday, February 25, 2026 - 12:52pmWednesday, February 25, 2026 - 12:52pm