FIA announces new constructor set to join WRC 2027

The FIA has revealed details of a new constructor that is developing a car to compete under the World Rally Championship’s new technical regulations in 2027.

Founded by experienced motorsport engineer Lionel Hansen, former FIA rally director and Citroen WRC boss Yves Matton and Prospeed, Project Rally One represents the first project to be officially led by a tuner under the WRC’s new technical framework. The project will design, build and homologate a WRC27-specification car for the start of the championship’s next regulatory cycle.

Up until this point, Toyota was only other manufacturer known to be producing a WRC2027-spec car built under the WRC’s new technical regulations. The FIA’s technical director Xavier Mestelan Pinon revealed in July that at least two tuners were working closely with the FIA on projects for 2027.

The new technical regulations, which will span a 10-year period, are designed to be more affordable and flexible in a bid to attract new manufacturers and teams to the series. Cars will be built to a €345,000 cost cap, deliver approximately 300 horsepower, comprise a space frame chassis and utilise some Rally2 componentry.

Project Rally One is the brainchild of Matton and Hansen, with the pair having recently combined to develop the homologated Porsche 992 Rally GT car that made its competitive debut this year.

Significant progress within the project has already been made. The chassis 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.

Yves Matton, Citroën Motorsport Director

Photo by: Citroen Communication

The car will of course be subject to FIA homologation before it can compete with 10 cars required to be produced within 24 months of the homologation date. The brand must commit two cars to at least 50% of the WRC calendar in its first season.

“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,” said Hansen.

“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.”

FIA technical director, Xavier Mestelan Pinon added: “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.”