Dundee hosts ecoRally Scotland, Round Eight of the Bridgestone FIA ecoRally Cup
Dundee, the UK’s only UNESCO City of Design, will this year act as the host of ecoRally Scotland, round eight of the 2025 Bridgestone FIA ecoRally Cup on 26-27 July.
The city is best placed to host the event, due to its sustainable innovation credentials and Dundee City Council’s key role in delivering Scotland’s promise of a net-zero society by 2045.
For over a decade, the Council has been committed to transforming transportation, as one of the UK’s leading EV cities, with 34% of fleet vehicles being electric. The city is facilitated by an extensive network of electric vehicle charging hubs and infrastructure through ChargePlace Scotland, which will support the fully-electric vehicles taking part in the event.
Motorsport prides itself on championing innovation to positively impact wider mobility. As a great representative of this, the ecoRally is open to fully electric (EV) vehicles, during which teams of two (driver and navigator) and their Electric Vehicle, will tackle a road route starting out from Dundee, navigating stunning scenery across Tayside.
With competitors showcasing how more sustainable motorsport and mobility can aid towards protecting the landscape for generations to come. Teams will need to record all check points within the given times and complete ‘regularity tests’ checking average speed along the route – precision navigating, problem solving and teamwork will be the order of the day. All teams will be staying locally, supporting local businesses across Dundee.
John Clark Group will host the ceremonial start line, which will be attended by Dundee City Councillors Steven Rome and Siobhan Tolland.
Cllr Rome, convener of Fair Work, Infrastructure and Economic Growth, said: “We are delighted that Dundee is hosting this year’s ecoRally Scotland.
“This prestigious event will give us the opportunity to showcase Dundee’s potential as an EV city.
“Dundee’s pioneering efforts in electrifying our transportation infrastructure and embracing innovative technologies have firmly positioned the city as a leader in the EV space.
Through strategic partnerships, cutting-edge projects, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Dundee continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for urban mobility.”
Cllr Tolland, depute convener of Fair Work, Infrastructure and Economic Growth, added: “We have accomplished much on our Net Zero Journey – with fleet electrification, an extensive local network of charging points, industry leading charging hubs, the Low Emission Zone (LEZ), and energy decarbonisation.
“I hope that the contestants in the ecoRally have a chance to see why Dundee is leading the field.”
Ian Smith, Technical Director, Motorsport UK, comments, “Bringing the Bridgestone FIA Eco Rally cup to Dundee for the Eco Rally Scotland is an exciting prospect. The principles of the Eco Rally Cup are completely aligned with Dundee City Councils Charge for the Future strategy.
“We are excited to bring the World Championship for electrified road cars which blends navigational accuracy with performance efficiency and consumption economy to the city that is internationally recognised as a strategic leader in electrification.”
Jessica Runicles, Head of Sustainability, Motorsport UK, adds, “ecoRally Scotland showcases how the future of motorsport is changing, embracing Electric as a means of enjoying the event and the Scottish landscape in a more mindful manner. We are thrilled to be running this event and thanks to the support of Dundee Council, who continue to work towards placing the town firmly on the map as a leader in green mobility in Scotland.”