WRC: Project Rally One files its FIA homologation papers

Project Rally One, the Belgian team preparing to enter the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2027, has passed a key milestone: it has submitted the homologation papers for its new Rally1 car to the FIA. The step follows two more days of asphalt testing with Sébastien Loeb and Stéphane Lefebvre.

Papers filed on time

According to Rallye Magazin, the team led by Lionel Hansen handed its technical documents to the FIA on schedule. It says it is still on track to field two cars at the season opener in January, Rallye Monte-Carlo 2027. Rallye-Sport adds that Toyota took the same step in recent days and that the compulsory homologation phase will last several days.

More testing in the Vosges

Last week Project Rally One ran for two days around Saint-Dié-des-Vosges in France. Sébastien Loeb, a nine-time world champion, and Stéphane Lefebvre, a former Citroën factory driver, handled the testing. Loeb had already tested the prototype in October. Teemu Suninen, Bruno Thiry and Freddy Loix are also involved in development.

Both drivers are pleased with the latest changes, according to the team statement relayed by Rallye-Sport:

• an all-new engine concept, based on a VAG group block with specific, previously unseen components;
• a major evolution of the transmission.

What is still to come

• The drivers: the line-up has not been revealed. Rallye Magazin says talks are under way with several potential partners to make the Monte Carlo entry possible.
• Gravel: the Rally One still has to make its debut on that surface, probably in December and again in France. Teemu Suninen, already involved on asphalt, is expected for those tests.

Key takeaway

Filing the homologation papers brings Project Rally One closer to its goal: lining up at Monte Carlo in January 2027 with two cars. FIA homologation, the drivers and the first gravel tests are still to be confirmed.

The editorial team