Rally Sweden Historic Begins Preparations for 2027

Next winter’s World Rally Championship event, Rally Sweden, takes place on 18–21 February 2027, with the Historic category competing on Friday and Saturday.

This follows the same format as the previous five WRC events held in Umeå. However, despite the popularity of the historic cars among spectators, their inclusion in the event is never guaranteed.

“No, we run our stages between the two WRC loops on Friday and Saturday. If there were a very large number of WRC cars, the schedule simply wouldn’t allow us to fit in between them. There wouldn’t be enough time before the WRC cars return for their second pass,” explains Leif.

Rally Sweden’s organisers have now given the green light for Historic to return in 2027.

“The format will be exactly the same as in previous years, with three stages on Friday and three on Saturday, followed by the prize-giving ceremony on the Red Barn Arena podium on Saturday afternoon,” says Leif.

Friday will feature the same Historic stages as last year, but in reverse order. The day will begin with Bäck, followed by Andersvattnet and finally Bygdsiljum.

Saturday will also feature familiar rally roads, starting with Vännäs before heading to Sarsjöliden, which will be run in the opposite direction this time.

The final Historic stage, Holmbäckssjön (previously known as Kolksele), will largely follow the same route as in 2026, but with a planned section extending onto Lake Holmbäckssjön.

One change for 2027 is that the organisers will be able to accommodate more competitors, increasing the maximum number of entries to 35 cars.

“We will also have an invitational class for Group H 2WD cars again this winter.”

The official invitation will be published on Friday, 18 December.

“It feels fantastic to be getting started again, and we hope that all drivers, co-drivers, mechanics and supporters will now begin making their plans and preparing their cars. This winter is going to be another fantastic experience,” promises Leif Sjöström, extending a warm welcome to everyone.

Previous Rally Sweden Historic Winners

2022: Christer Hedlund, Lycksele MK / Ida Lidebjer Granberg, Asarums MS – Ford Escort RS 1800.

2023: Johannes Joons, MK Tierp / Elina Svensson, Strängnäs AMS – Opel Kadett GSI.

2024: Tobias Johansson, Ludvika MS / Mikael Johansson, Ludvika MS – Audi Quattro A2.

2025: Tobias Johansson, Ludvika MS / Lars-Erik Kronberg, Ludvika MS – Audi Quattro A2.

2026: Nils Östgård, Vännäs MK / Andreas Johansson, Åsele MS – Toyota Celica 165.