A new name is already making noise ahead of the World Rally Championship’s next era, with Project Rally One taking its first 300 kilometres in anger. The fledgling constructor has put its 2027 challenger through three days of circuit testing in Germany, providing an early glimpse at whether a new generation of independent teams can challenge the established WRC order.
• Project Rally One has begun testing its 2027 WRC car
• The first test covered approximately 300 kilometres in Germany
• The team reported no problems during the initial running
Project Rally One was established by motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen, former FIA rally director and Citroen WRC boss Yves Matton, and Prospeed. The project was announced in December with the ambitious goal of designing, building and homologating a car for the WRC’s new 2027 regulations. Those rules open the door for tuners to become full constructors, with Project Rally One and Spain’s RMC Motorsport among the first to take up the challenge.
• The project was announced in December 2025
• New WRC27 rules allow tuners to become constructors
• RMC Motorsport is also developing a car for the new regulations
The German test marked a significant step for Project Rally One after the team revealed its car’s design earlier this year. The prototype completed three days of running while being subjected to kerbs and high-speed sections. Power comes from a race-proven 1.6-litre Volkswagen Group engine used in Skoda Fabia and Volkswagen Polo Rally2 machinery, while former factory WRC driver Stephane Lefebvre was reportedly among three drivers involved in the test.
• The prototype has completed its first major test
• A 1.6-litre Volkswagen Group engine provides the power
• Stephane Lefebvre was reportedly among the test drivers
The programme is moving faster than originally planned, with Project Rally One now targeting two cars from Rallye Monte-Carlo at the start of the 2027 season. Further asphalt testing is planned for September before the development programme moves onto gravel in October. The schedule gives the new constructor valuable time to expose weaknesses and build reliability before its first competitive appearance.
• Two cars are targeted for Monte-Carlo
• Asphalt testing is planned before gravel testing
• Development is currently running ahead of schedule
Project Rally One will not be alone in trying to break into the WRC with a new-generation car. RMC Motorsport is targeting a debut at Croatia Rally in 2027 and is considering a programme that could include Spain, Portugal and South American events later in the season. RMC is still finalising its driver line-up and intends to develop its own engine, setting up an intriguing battle between two independent constructors as the WRC enters a new technological era.
• RMC Motorsport is targeting a 2027 Croatia debut
• Its potential programme could span Europe and South America
• The new rules could bring more independent constructors into the WRC
Via: Autosport
