That is where Rally Scotland really gets exciting. One of the biggest strengths behind the new WRC round is the short run from Aberdeen’s Service Park to the stages themselves. From P&J Live, some of the best forest gravel roads in the country are only around 20 minutes away. Less road mileage. More rallying. More time for fans to soak it all in.

And these are not just any roads. M-Sport founder Malcolm Wilson competed on the last full day of WRC competition in Scotland in 1992 and knows what a proper gravel challenge looks like. “You know, the Scottish Rally was always my favourite event in the British Championship and the nature of the roads mean the competitors are going to be thrilled to do this event,” he said.
Wilson also gave a strong hint about what spectators can expect once the rally heads into the forests: “Some of the areas that we’re going to with this rally will just be truly amazing for the fans.”

Motorsport UK Chairman David Richards was just as clear. “We’ve got some of the best forests in the world on the doorstep here,” he said. “They are just superb. And I’m sure people will be raving about them when they come here.”

Then there is the view from the cockpit. Max McRae, who was born in Scotland and has competed on the nearby roads of the Grampian Rally in the last two years, said: “The stages we have on our doorstep here have got a bit of everything. They’re very technical, very fast, some big rocks. So it’s kind of got everything to challenge man and machine. So I think the crews will be very happy.”

McRae also summed up the fan appeal. “I think everyone that is here for this rally is going to be just impressed and obviously entertained of what we have to offer here in Scotland,” he said.

The route will be confirmed later. But one thing already feels nailed on: Rally Scotland will have stages worthy of the name.