Project Rally One has officially revealed its car for the World Rally Championship (WRC) 2027, with the focus on participating in the season-opening event in Monte Carlo.
The Belgian team unveiled its completely new vehicle designed according to the technical regulations of the WRC 2027 during the Rally4Passion event in Huy, Belgium. Founded by Lionel Hansen, an experienced motorsport engineer, and Yves Matton, former FIA rally director and head of Citroën WRC, Project Rally One announced its project to design and homologate a car to WRC27 specifications last December.
Consequently, its vehicle becomes one of the few that complies with the new technical regulations, which allow tuning operators like them to compete as manufacturers. Recently, the team completed an initial test in Germany and has accumulated 750 kilometers of asphalt testing in France, led by drivers Stéphane Lefebvre and Bruno Thiry.
The new European rally champion, Teemu Suninen, will join the next phase of the vehicle’s development, which will take place on gravel terrain next month. Hansen has confirmed that homologation is scheduled for November 1, adding that ‘we have covered 750 kilometers without reliability incidents and with satisfactory performance.’
The vehicle is powered by a Volkswagen group engine, similar to that of the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, with modifications made to meet WRC27 specifications. Although it is currently not associated with an existing road car model, its design shows influences from Porsche, a brand with which Hansen has a professional relationship.
With a limited budget, the team seeks efficiency and adaptability, despite the magnitude of the challenge of competing in the WRC. Currently, Project Rally One has 21 full-time employees, and sporting director Alain Penasse notes that the project has sparked interest among potential drivers for the upcoming season.
As the homologation date approaches, Hansen expresses pride in what they have achieved so far, while also acknowledging the considerable work that lies ahead. Their goal is clear: to present two Rally One cars at the 2027 Rallye Monte-Carlo.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
