With a VW engine and striking Porsche styling, Project Rally One aims to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027: the privateer team is targeting two cars for the season opener
Project Rally One has officially unveiled its car for the 2027 World Rally Championship (WRC) to the public. The team’s aim is to line up with two cars at the season opener in Monte Carlo next January.
The Belgian team unveiled the completely new car, built in accordance with the 2027 WRC technical regulations, at the “Rally4Passion” event in Huy, Belgium.
Founded by experienced motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen and former FIA Rally Director and Citroën WRC boss Yves Matton, Project Rally One announced plans last December to design, build and homologate a car to WRC27 specifications.
750 test kilometres without any problems
Alongside RMC Motorsport from Spain, the team is one of two tuners committed to the new WRC technical regulations, which, for the first time, allow tuners to compete as fully-fledged manufacturers.
Project Rally One completed an initial rollout of the new car in Germany earlier this month and subsequently clocked up 750 test kilometres on tarmac in France. Experienced drivers Stephane Lefebvre and Bruno Thiry were at the wheel. The team also confirmed that the newly crowned European Rally Champion and former WRC works driver Teemu Suninen will lead the next phase of the car’s development on gravel next month.
“Project Rally One is now in the final phase ahead of the car’s homologation, which is scheduled for 1 November,” explains Hansen. “We have just completed five days of tarmac testing, covering 750 kilometres without encountering even the slightest reliability issue. At the same time, we have achieved the performance level we had expected.”
Engine from the VW Group and inspiration from Porsche
“As soon as homologation is complete, we’ll carry out further test drives – back on tarmac next week, before moving onto gravel in October. This means we’re on schedule. Our aim remains to field two cars at the 2027 Monte Carlo Rally. It is a demanding challenge, but it remains a realistic one. A lot will happen between now and then, however.”
The car is powered by an engine from the Volkswagen Group, similar to the engine in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. Extensive modifications have been made to adapt the powertrain as closely as possible to the technical requirements of the WRC27 regulations, whilst also meeting the project’s requirements and the targeted performance level.
The car is not based directly on a current production model. However, the design bears similarities to that of the German manufacturer Porsche, with whom Hansen has maintained a long-standing relationship through the development of the Porsche 992 Rally GT.
Two cars planned for the Monte Carlo Rally
“As everyone knows, I have a long-standing relationship with a well-known German brand, which is also reflected in the car’s rather futuristic look,” explains Hansen. “However, this brand is not involved in Project Rally One, either technically or financially. For the design and construction of the bodywork, we were able to draw on the expertise of Faster Racing – a Paris-based company with 35 years’ experience in motorsport. The result is particularly impressive.”
“The homologation process is the same as for Toyota. However, any comparison between a giant of the automotive industry and a private team ends right there. Our overall budget is limited, which means we must always remain extremely responsive and efficient.”
“We are not a works team, but we are preparing to compete in the same arena. Around 4,500 working hours have already been needed to develop the car, and there is still a considerable amount of work ahead of us,” Hansen continued.
Although the team has not yet finalised its driver line-up for the coming year, it confirms that the project is attracting a great deal of interest from potential drivers. “Project Rally One currently comprises 21 full-time staff,” says sporting director Alain Penasse. “The challenge, of course, is to get the right people into the right positions within an extremely tight timeframe – particularly with an event like the 2027 Monte Carlo Rally as our target.”