Project Rally One has officially unveiled its car designed to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027, with the aim of making its debut at the inaugural event in Monte Carlo. The Belgian team presented it publicly during the Rally4Passion event in Huy, Belgium.
Founded by motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen and former FIA rally director Yves Matton, Project Rally One began its journey with the design and construction of a WRC27 specification vehicle last year. The team is one of the few operational, alongside Spain’s RMC Motorsport, that has committed to the new technical regulations for the WRC, which allow preparers to become constructors.
After recently completing 750 kilometers of asphalt testing in France, led by experienced drivers like Stéphane Lefebvre and Bruno Thiry, the team is already preparing for the next phase of vehicle development, in which theoretically European rally champion Teemu Suninen will participate in gravel tests.
Hansen has commented that the project is ambitious yet realistic, stating: ‘Project Rally One is now in the final phase before homologation, scheduled for November 1. We have completed five days of testing without any reliability issues, achieving the expected performance level.’ A great effort awaits to continue asphalt testing before moving to gravel in October.
In terms of drivability, the new vehicle is equipped with an engine from the Group Volkswagen, similar to what can be found in the Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. The modifications made ensure that the power system complies with the new WRC regulations while maintaining the project’s performance objectives.
In terms of design, the car reflects influences from brands like Porsche. Hansen has highlighted that, although he has a long-standing relationship with the world of the German brand, there is no technical or financial involvement from it in Project Rally One. The bodywork constructor, Faster Racing, based in Paris, has brought its 35 years of motorsport experience to the project.
Currently, the team has 21 full-time employees and is working to define its driver lineup for the upcoming season. ‘We are in talks with several interested drivers, but it is still early to make official announcements,’ added sports director Alain Penasse. The challenge ahead is significant, with the Rallye Monte-Carlo as the first major goal already in sight.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
