Subaru UK & Ireland to headline Forest Rally Stage celebrations, honouring McRae’s 1995 WRC win and powering rally passion into the future
9 July 2025 – Goodwood, UK: The roar of engines and the crunch of gravel under tyre are set to echo once more through the West Sussex woodlands as Subaru UK & Ireland proudly takes the spotlight at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, returning as the title supporter of the iconic Forest Rally Stage.
Running from 10–13 July, this year’s Festival promises a spine-tingling celebration of rallying heritage and modern motorsport innovation, with a particular focus on Subaru’s rich rallying legacy and its role in one of the World Rally Championship’s most defining moments.
A Stage Set in Stone and Soil
Since its inception in 2005, the Forest Rally Stage has been a fan favourite – a winding, tree-lined time capsule of motorsport legend and grit. For 2025, under Subaru’s stewardship, the stage is set to deliver an even more immersive experience. Fans will be treated to unrestricted paddock access, up-close views of both historic and contemporary rally machinery, and the opportunity to rub shoulders with world-renowned drivers.
Bringing safety and sustainability together, Subaru’s all-electric Solterra will serve as the official course vehicle for the Forest Rally Stage. Its all-wheel-drive capability will ensure the route is ready for every competitor, preserving the pulse-pounding action while highlighting the brand’s electrified future.
“At Subaru, rallying is part of our heritage,” said Lorraine Bishton, Managing Director, Subaru UK. “Our support of the Forest Rally Stage this year offers fans an intimate and thrilling experience that perfectly captures our spirit of adventure and performance. We’re pleased to support such a dynamic platform where motorsport heritage and innovation come together.”
Honouring a Champion: Colin McRae
In a fitting tribute, this year’s event also commemorates the 30th anniversary of Colin McRae’s historic 1995 WRC Championship victory – a feat that made him the first Briton to take the coveted title. Subaru and Goodwood will celebrate McRae’s career with an evocative line-up of the cars he made legendary, headlined by the Subaru Impreza 555 that took him to championship glory with two rally wins and three podiums.
Subaru Motorsports USA Returns for Glory
Adding transatlantic adrenaline to the mix, Subaru Motorsports USA returns with a powerhouse driver pairing: Scott Speed and Travis Pastrana. Speed will once again pilot the blisteringly fast WRX: Project Midnight, making its second Goodwood appearance in the hill climb event, while Pastrana will unleash the WRX ARA25 on the gravel-laced Forest Rally Stage, delivering the raw, crowd-pleasing spectacle fans have come to expect.
Rallying into the Future
Subaru’s involvement at Goodwood this year serves as a vivid bridge between past and future. With electric innovation meeting time-honoured motorsport tradition, the brand is reinforcing its commitment to performance, sustainability, and unforgettable fan experiences.
From the whisper-quiet assurance of the Solterra to the thunderous power of Pastrana’s WRX, Subaru’s 2025 Goodwood presence is not just a celebration of 30 years since McRae’s triumph – it’s a powerful statement of what’s still to come.
Festival of Speed 2025 attendees can catch the Subaru Forest Rally Stage in action from 10–13 July at the Goodwood Estate. Whether drawn by nostalgia, electric innovation, or a thirst for rally spectacle, it’s a must-see moment in the motorsport calendar.
