The legacy of Sebastien Loeb remains very much alive as the new monster of the Project Rally One takes shape. The new car for the World Rally Championship has been tested by the new Belgian team looking to make a difference with its debut in the season starting in January in Monte Carlo.
The nine-time world champion has joined the team to contribute to the development of the car, which hopes to debut in the first races of the year. The official presentation of the vehicle according to the new technical regulations for 2027 took place last month, aiming to participate in several events next year, starting with Monte Carlo.
In the testing process, the Project Rally One team intends to assign up to eight drivers, including experienced names like Stephane Lefebvre, Freddy Loix, and Bruno Thiry. Also noteworthy is Teemu Suninen, recent European rally champion, who will lead the tests on gravel surfaces.
Weeks after the tests, Loeb joins the group, adding his vast experience to the equation. Even though he has not participated in the WRC since 2022, his knowledge is invaluable for the team looking to optimize every detail of the new vehicle.
This latest testing program took place in the French region of the Vosges, where Suninen took on the responsibility of test driver while facing diverse weather conditions. The tests progressed with an initial setup for rain, likely to ensure the car is ready for any situation on the road.
Loeb tested the vehicle in more favorable conditions, with dry roads on Friday. Feedback from the drivers has been positive, and their comments are crucial for improving the car’s performance.
Finally, the team is preparing all the documentation for homologation, which is expected to be submitted to the FIA technical department by the end of this month.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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