WRC 2027: Loeb tests the new Project Rally One car
The newsroomUpdated on October 10, 20263 minSébastien Loeb tested Project Rally One's 2027 Rally1 car in the Vosges; the Belgian team targets Monte Carlo in January 2027, FIA homologation due in October.
Key point
Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time world champion, tested the 2027 Rally1 car of Belgian team Project Rally One in the Vosges; its homologation dossier is due with the FIA by the end of October.
Sébastien Loeb has driven the new car of Project Rally One, a Belgian team preparing its arrival in the WRC in 2027. The Frenchman, a nine-time world champion, drove in the Vosges during two days of testing in the development programme of this Rally1 car, built to the 2027 technical regulations.
A two-part test in the Vosges
On Thursday, driver Teemu Suninen, the newly crowned European rally champion, drove in the rain, allowing the team to test an initial wet-weather set-up. On Friday, Loeb took over on mostly dry roads. Project Rally One calls the feedback from both drivers positive and says their input was fundamental to the car's development; the car was unveiled last month.
Where does the project stand?
- The homologation dossier is being drafted and is due with the FIA's technical department by the end of October.
- According to Autosport and Motorsport.com, the car is set to debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo, the season opener in January 2027; DirtFish adds that the team did not say when it would first compete and that an announcement is expected by the end of October.
- The team hopes to field two cars at selected events next year.
- The 2027 driver line-up has not been announced. Up to eight drivers may take part in development, including Stéphane Lefebvre, Freddy Loix, Bruno Thiry and Suninen, who leads gravel development.
Loeb back in a Rally1 car
Loeb has 80 WRC wins. His last appearance in the championship dates from 2022, in an M-Sport Ford Puma, with a retirement at the Acropolis according to DirtFish; he has therefore not competed in the WRC for more than four years. Since then he has been busy with his Dacia programme in the World Rally-Raid Championship and with national rallies.
What to take away
The test shows Project Rally One moving towards homologation of its 2027 car. Neither the manufacturer, the 2027 drivers nor the entry programme is confirmed yet: what follows depends on the dossier reaching the FIA and on the announcement expected by the end of October.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
Who is Project Rally One?
A Belgian team that unveiled last month a car built to the 2027 WRC technical regulations. The sources consulted name no manufacturer.
When could the car make its WRC debut?
According to Autosport and Motorsport.com, it is set to debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo in January 2027. DirtFish notes the team has not confirmed a date for its first start; an announcement is expected by the end of October.
Will Loeb drive in the WRC in 2027?
Nothing suggests it: the sources describe him as a test driver. The 2027 driver line-up has not been announced.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Loeb tests the Project Rally One 2027 car
- DirtFish — Loeb tests Project Rally One's WRC 2027 car
- Autosport — Loeb testing for new WRC team
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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