The World Rally Championship has secured its first new confirmed constructor for the 2027 season: Project Rally One. Led by Lionel Hansen, alongside former Citroën team principal Yves Matton and Prospeed, the project marks the first officially confirmed entry ahead of the upcoming WRC27 era.
The announcement comes just one week after the FIA World Motor Sport Council ratified a new, more open constructor concept. From 2027, independent tuners will be permitted to develop and enter vehicles to compete directly against major manufacturers for the FIA WRC Constructors’ Championship.
Project Rally One: First confirmed WRC27 project
The new Project Rally One vehicle is being developed in accordance with the overhauled WRC27 regulations. These rules mandate a tubular spaceframe safety cell, double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel drive, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine derived from current Rally2 cars.
The project is already well underway; the first chassis has been completed, and the prototype is currently being assembled. The first shakedown test is scheduled for spring next year. (Article continues after the photo.)
“The entry of Project Rally One to the FIA World Rally Championship is a hugely important moment for us,” said Lionel Hansen. “To be the first to present a new car for the WRC’s next era is something we are extremely proud of.
“The introduction of the WRC27 regulations gave us the opportunity to take the step into the championship. The new technical framework creates the right environment for independent projects like ours, allowing us to develop a car from the ground up and compete against manufacturers at the highest level.
“The progress we have already made gives us real confidence in the direction we are taking. With the chassis complete and the prototype now in assembly, we are in a strong position as we prepare for the first shakedown this spring and continue development towards the car’s debut.”
To ensure sustainability, the WRC2027 cars are subject to a €345,000 price cap. Development is focused specifically on suspension and geometry optimisation, weight distribution, and reliability. Once homologated, the design will remain valid for a ten-year period.
Key figures behind Porsche 992 Rally GT
Lionel Hansen is no stranger to ambitious engineering projects. He is one of the key figures behind the Porsche 992 Rally GT, a car that has primarily been competing in national championships across Belgium and France.
The 992 Rally GT has been developed in collaboration with partners such as Prospeed, who are also confirmed to be involved in Project Rally One. The involvement of Prospeed in Project Rally One is both significant and highly intriguing. The Belgian outfit is primarily renowned for its long-standing and intensive involvement with the Porsche brand.
Photos: FIA
