Project Rally One has officially revealed its all-new WRC27 rally car without camouflage, giving the world its first clear look at the Belgian team’s ambitious entry into the World Rally Championship.
The car was unveiled at an event in Belgium on September 18, just a few months before the start of the 2027 WRC season. Project Rally One has already begun testing its prototype as it prepares for the new technical era of the championship.
The 2027 regulations represent a major change for the WRC, with simpler and significantly less expensive technical requirements designed to reduce the financial barrier for manufacturers and independent constructors. Project Rally One is among the new operations taking advantage of these regulations, becoming one of the first independent projects to develop a car for the new WRC27 category.
Visually, the new rally car features distinctive proportions and styling that bear a noticeable resemblance to the Porsche Macan. However, despite the similarities in appearance, Porsche is not involved in the project.
Underneath the bodywork, the Project Rally One machine uses a well-known powertrain. The car is understood to be powered by the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine used in the Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, producing around 300 horsepower and paired with a five-speed sequential gearbox. The use of existing components is one of the key advantages of the WRC27 regulations, allowing new constructors to develop a competitive car in a considerably shorter timeframe.
The project brings together considerable experience from the world of rallying. It was founded by motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen, former FIA rally director and Citroën WRC team boss Yves Matton, together with Prospeed. The team has also recruited several former Citroën and Peugeot competition personnel, adding significant technical experience to the program.
Project Rally One has already completed its initial testing program, including running on both gravel and asphalt. The prototype recently completed its first three-day test, covering approximately 300 kilometres without a major failure, marking an important milestone in the development of the car.
The team is now working towards its planned WRC debut in 2027, with Rallye Monte-Carlo expected to be the first opportunity to see the new WRC27 machinery in full competition.
For Project Rally One, the challenge is enormous: it is a new constructor entering the highest level of rallying against established manufacturers with decades of experience. Nevertheless, the WRC27 regulations have created an opportunity for independent engineering projects to enter the sport with a more manageable development program.
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