The world of rallying is about to experience a revolution with the announcement of Project Rally One, which will join the World Rally Championship (WRC) starting in 2027. Imagine an independent manufacturer, backed by seasoned experts, ready to challenge the giants of the automotive industry on the winding and muddy roads of the greatest rallies.
A New Start for the WRC
The International Automobile Federation (FIA) has recently unveiled the first new entry that will join the WRC under its new regulatory framework for 2027. This announcement marks a historic turning point in motorsport, where the manufacturer Project Rally One, founded by brilliant engineer Lionel Hansen and WRC expert Yves Matton, is preparing to design, build, and homologate a car that meets the WRC27 specifications.
This initiative comes in a context where the FIA has validated the final elements of the WRC27 regulations, establishing a ten-year regulatory framework that will transform the competition. For the first time, independent tuners like Project Rally One can compete on equal footing with traditional automotive manufacturers.
A Revolutionary Chassis
The project focuses on designing a car that complies with the technical standards of WRC27. These impose a maximum cost of 345,000 euros and require a tubular safety cell, double wishbone suspension, a four-wheel drive configuration, and a 1.6-liter turbo internal combustion engine running on sustainable fuels. It’s as if a classic recipe has been taken and given a modern twist to make rallying more accessible.
Project Rally One emphasizes optimizing suspension, geometry, weight distribution, and overall reliability. All of this while keeping in mind the varied requirements of the championships the car may face.
Imminent Progress
Development is progressing rapidly. The design and construction of the chassis architecture are already finalized, while the assembly of prototypes is underway. Once this stage is completed, the car will begin an extensive development campaign with over 6,000 km of testing on dirt and asphalt before its homologation, with the first shakedown scheduled for spring 2026.
A Strong Commitment to the Future
Although Project Rally One’s participation in the championship depends on the successful completion of the project and the homologation of the car, this entry already represents an important step towards the new era of the WRC in 2027. It shows how a regulatory framework focused on accessibility and flexibility can attract new participants to this iconic competition.
Lionel Hansen, co-founder of Project Rally One, stated: “Project Rally One’s entry into the WRC is a crucial moment for us. Being the first to present a new car for the next era of the WRC is an immense pride.” He also emphasizes that the opportunity provided by the WRC27 regulations has allowed independent projects to come to fruition.
Enthusiastic Reactions
Malcolm Wilson, FIA Vice President for Sport, added: “The arrival of Project Rally One is a significant moment for the WRC. It confirms that the transition to a more economical and accessible technical framework is already attracting new players.” This sense of optimism is shared by Xavier Mestelan Pinon, FIA’s technical and safety director, who reminds us that these changes aim to create an environment conducive to the sustainable growth of the WRC.
Peter Thul, sporting director of the WRC promoter, concluded by stating that this early announcement demonstrates a strong appetite from the automotive world to be part of the rallying peaks. “We are confident that this will be just the beginning of a series of similar announcements,” he said.
Conclusion: A Promising Future
Project Rally One embodies a new vision for the championship, where innovation and independence can coexist with the biggest names in the industry. At a time when rallying must evolve to remain relevant, this initiative could well mark the beginning of a flourishing era for the WRC, driven by the passion and ingenuity of its new entrants.
