Project Rally One has publicly unveiled its new WRC27 car for the first time, marking a major step towards its planned FIA World Rally Championship debut in 2027.
Led by motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen, Project Rally One is the first privately led constructor project that has been manufactured under the WRC27 regulations, which opens the championship’s top category to independent tuners as well as traditional manufacturers.
Five days and 750km of initial tarmac development work was carried out by Bruno Thiry and Stéphane Lefebvre. Newly crowned ERC Champion Teemu Suninen is set to take over driving duties when the testing programme switches to gravel in October.
“Once homologation has been completed, we will continue with further test sessions, again on asphalt next week, before moving onto gravel in October,” said the project leader Lionel Hansen.
“This means we are on schedule, and our objective remains to enter two Rally One cars on the 2027 Rallye Monte-Carlo.
“It is a demanding challenge, but it remains a realistic one. There is still a lot to happen between now and then.”
Under the bonnet, the car uses a VAG Group-badged engine related to the unit found in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, extensively modified to meet the requirements of the WRC27 regulations. Its bespoke bodywork has been developed and constructed by Paris-based Faster Racing.
WRC Promotor’s COO Julien Vial added: “Project Rally One is an exciting example of the ambition that WRC is attracting as the championship continues to evolve,” he said.
“What is particularly impressive is seeing something created effectively from a blank sheet – bringing together the technical programme, the people, the partners and a new identity. Getting a project like this from an idea to a physical car requires significant commitment, investment and belief from everyone involved.
“For us, this is about more than simply having another car on the stages. We want WRC to continue to be an attractive environment for established manufacturers and teams, but also for ambitious newcomers that can bring fresh ideas, new stories and new opportunities for brands and partners. Project Rally One is a very tangible example of that.”
Images: WRC.com
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