WRC returns to USA

The World Rally Championship will finally return to the USA for the first time since 1988 following the confirmation of the 2027 calendar.

2027 calendar expansion

The WRC will expand to 15 events next year after confirming the USA's return to the calendar.

USA event details

The USA event will be a gravel rally based around Knoxville, Tennessee, taking in roads in both Tennessee and Kentucky, held from 26-29 August 2027.

WRC's long journey

Hosting a round in the USA has been a long stated aim for the WRC for more than a decade, with talks reigniting in 2022 after a test event planned in Chattanooga in 2023.

Delay to 2027

A decision from WRC Promoter and the Automobile Competition Committee of the US (ACCUS) delayed the country's appearance on the WRC calendar until 2027 at the earliest to ensure the event has the best chance of success.

FIA approval

The FIA has deemed the USA ready to return to the WRC after confirming the 2027 calendar.

Julian Vial's comments

WRC's new chief operating officer Julien Vial stated the USA is a big market for motorsport and they are confident they will have a great event in 2027 in the US.

“We are working to make a big show with a big ceremonial start. This event will respect the DNA of rallying and we are very confident we will have a great event in 2027 in the US”

FIA deputy president comments

FIA deputy president for sport Malcolm Wilson noted the USA has been on the radar for years and the new promoter team did a big job to make it happen.

“USA has been on the radar for a number of years. But from my point of working with a new promoter right from the outset. One of the important aspects was to make sure to find a way to get an event in the US.”

2027 calendar expansion reasons

The WRC's return to the USA has effectively resulted in the 2027 calendar increasing to 15 events for the first time since 2008 due to the importance of the USA market and reduced costs from new technical regulations.

New technical regulations

The new technical regulations have reduced car costs to a €345,000 cap, making the sport more accessible for teams.

Seven consecutive gravel events

For the second consecutive season the year will end with a stretch of seven consecutive gravel rallies, a topic that has previously triggered criticism from drivers.

Gravel event solution

WRC's new chief operating officer Julien Vial stated they may add a tarmac event at the end of the season to balance the gravel effect, though it's not possible for 2027.

“But if we can, for sure, maybe add some tarmac event at the end of the season it could be interesting to try to balance this gravel effect.”

Event format changes

The WRC has traditionally run events across a Thursday to Sunday format and it appears this is most likely to remain the same in 2027, though there is scope for potential changes.

Rally Finland and Estonia

FIA road sport director Abel stated that Rally Finland and Rally Estonia could hold the key to future format changes, with the WRC targeting 25% of events moving to the new format in 2027.

“But what we can say is together with the promoter we have set the target to have the moving over to the new format year by year, so having, let’s say roughly 25% of the events moving to the new format in 2027”

Double header events

The 2027 calendar includes a double header with Estonia (22-25 July) and Finland (29 July - 1 August), allowing teams to work on both events with the same cars.

“We have decided with Estonia and Finland to take this challenge to organise these two events in two weeks and also [to improve] the storytelling for all the rally fans and all the teams”

Saudi Arabia finale

Saudi Arabia is set to host next year's season finale in November with the FIA confident it will go ahead as planned after this year's cancellation due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We are working closely with the FIA member club and we are making a big effort also to support the event this year running as a round of the Middle East Rally Championship”