The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced the first new Constructor set to join the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) under its new regulatory framework for 2027.

Founded by experienced motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen and long-standing WRC specialist Yves Matton and Prospeed, Project Rally One represents the first project to be officially led by a Tuner in the FIA World Rally Championship’s new era. The project will design, build and homologate a WRC27-specification car for the start of the championship’s next regulatory cycle.

The announcement follows the FIA’s approval of the final elements of the WRC27 regulations, completing the ten-year regulatory framework that will govern the championship from 2027. This regulatory framework formalises the definition of a Constructor and, for the first time, opens homologation to independent Tuners such as Project Rally One, allowing them to compete on equal terms with OEMs (Manufacturers).

The new car has been designed to meet the WRC27 technical regulations, which establish a cost-controlled platform capped at €345,000 and mandate a tubular safety cell, double-wishbone suspension layout, four-wheel-drive configuration and a sustainably fuelled 1.6-litre turbocharged internal combustion engine.

While developed to the WRC27 specification, Project Rally One has placed particular focus on suspension and geometry optimisation, weight distribution and overall reliability, with early consideration given to customer requirements and the differing demands of the championships in which the car may compete. 

Significant progress within the project has already been made. The chassis architecture design and build have been completed, with prototype assembly now underway. Once finalised, the car will begin a comprehensive development campaign, including more than 6,000 km of gravel and asphalt testing ahead of its homologation, with the first shakedown scheduled for spring of 2026. 

As with all new projects, its participation within the championship remains subject to it being carried out to its completion and the successful homologation of the car in line with the WRC27 technical regulations. However, the Project Rally One entry already represents an important early milestone in the transition to the FIA World Rally Championship’s new era in 2027, illustrating how a regulatory framework built around affordability, accessibility and flexibility can attract new entrants to the championship.

Lionel Hansen, Co-Founder of Project Rally One, said: “The entry of Project Rally One to the FIA World Rally Championship is a hugely important moment for us. 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.”

Malcolm Wilson, FIA Deputy President for Sport, commented: “The arrival of Project Rally One is a significant moment for the FIA World Rally Championship. It confirms that the move toward a more cost-effective and accessible technical framework is already generating new engagement with the sport. Attracting new entrants is essential for the long-term growth of the WRC, and it is encouraging to see other Tuners preparing to compete alongside Manufacturers.”

FIA Chief Technical and Safety Officer, Xavier Mestelan Pinon, added: “The vision for WRC27 was first laid out when FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem called for a regulatory framework that would reduce costs, broaden participation and ensure long-term stability for the FIA World Rally Championship. Over the past four years, we have worked to develop a regulatory framework that places safety, affordability, flexibility and accessibility at its heart, creating a formula that is attractive to new entrants to the championship.

The entry of Project Rally One to the FIA World Rally Championship is a clear indication that this vision is taking shape. By opening homologation to tuners and introducing a cost-effective long-term technical framework for the category, we have created an environment where Tuners can enter the WRC on equal terms with Manufacturers. Project Rally One illustrates exactly what this vision was designed to achieve, and it confirms that the new era of the FIA World Rally Championship is already beginning to deliver the growth and diversity the sport needs.”

Peter Thul, WRC Promoter Director of Sport, stated: “The fact that this comes so soon on the back of the announcement of the WRC27 regulations confirms the appetite from the automotive world to be part of the pinnacle of rallying. It fills us with confidence that this will be just the first of many such announcements to come.

“We as the Promoter are here to help Lionel and Yves to reach their ambitions and we are certain that the mix of WRC27-homologated cars alongside the existing Rally2 cars will generate one of the deepest fields of competition in the WRC in recent memory.”

ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:

• Sven Good, Road Sport Communications Manager: Sgood@fia.com 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.