Sébastien Loeb has returned behind the wheel of Project Rally One’s 2027 World Rally Championship challenger, as the Belgian-based team continues its preparations for the new WRC27 era.
The nine-time world champion joined Stéphane Lefebvre for a two-day asphalt test in France last week, with the latest session marking another important step in the development of the car ahead of its planned championship debut.
The test took place around Saint-Dié-des-Vosges in the French Vosges region, where both drivers had the opportunity to evaluate the latest technical developments introduced to the car. It was Loeb’s second outing with the Project Rally One machine, having previously tested the prototype in October. Lefebvre, meanwhile, has been closely involved in the development programme and is among the experienced drivers contributing to the project.
According to the team, particular attention was given to the latest technical evolutions, including a completely new engine concept and significant changes to the transmission. The power unit is based on a Volkswagen Group engine, with Project Rally One introducing dedicated components as part of its development work to meet the requirements of the new WRC27 regulations.
Following the latest test, both Loeb and Lefebvre reportedly gave positive feedback on the improvements made to the car. Their contribution is considered valuable as the team works to refine the overall package and ensure that the new challenger is ready to compete at the highest level from 2027.
However, the latest development does not concern testing alone. Project Rally One has also confirmed that it has submitted its homologation dossier to the FIA within the required deadline, bringing the programme closer to securing its place in the new WRC era. The submission represents a significant milestone for the independent constructor, which has been working towards its planned debut since announcing the project in December 2025.
With the homologation documentation now submitted, Project Rally One believes it is on course to field two cars at the 2027 Rallye Monte-Carlo, the opening round of the new WRC season. The team has not yet confirmed its driver line-up, with discussions involving potential partners still underway. It is also expected to contest a partial championship programme rather than a full-season campaign.
The Belgian project was founded by motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen, alongside former FIA rally director Yves Matton and Prospeed. It represents one of the first independent constructor initiatives to take advantage of the WRC27 regulations, which open the championship’s top category to specialist tuners as well as traditional manufacturers.
During the development process, Project Rally One has relied on several experienced drivers, including Loeb, Lefebvre, Freddy Loix, Bruno Thiry and Teemu Suninen. The latter has also played an important role in the car’s gravel development, while the latest sessions with Loeb and Lefebvre focused on asphalt performance.
Although the team has yet to reveal who will drive its cars in 2027, submitting the homologation dossier on time is an important step towards making its ambitions a reality. With further development work expected before the start of the new season, Project Rally One is moving closer to becoming one of the independent challengers in the WRC27 era.
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