First independent manufacturer confirmed for WRC 2027

The chassis of the first WRC27 car developed by an independent team is complete. Project Rally One has finished the structural architecture and begun assembling the prototype at its facilities. The FIA has confirmed the project as the first Tuner to homologate a vehicle for the World Rally Championship under the regulations coming into force in 2027.

Lionel Hansen and Yves Matton are leading the development of the complete car without the backing of a major manufacturer. Hansen brings racing engineering experience, while Matton has years of specialization in the WRC. The team is working with Prospeed on the project.

The chassis is finished and the car will undergo over 6,000 km of testing

The chassis architecture has moved from design to finished manufacture. The prototype is in the assembly phase. Once complete, the vehicle will enter a validation phase exceeding 6,000 kilometers on gravel and asphalt. The first track outing will occur in spring 2026.

The team focused the design on optimizing suspension and chassis geometry, weight distribution, and mechanical reliability. Hansen explained that they designed the car considering the requirements of various championships where it could compete, not just the WRC.

The vehicle meets WRC27 specifications: FIA-homologated tubular safety cell, double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel drive, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine running on sustainable fuels. The 12 months between the shakedown in spring 2026 and the start of the 2027 season allow for refining the development.

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Why an independent team can now compete

The WRC27 regulations changed the championship structure. Previously, only manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai, or Ford could homologate cars for the premier WRC category. The new regulations opened homologation to independent teams (Tuners) under the "Constructor" concept.

The price cap of 345,000€ per manufactured unit makes projects viable without the backing of major manufacturers. The common safety cell designed by the FIA eliminates development costs for that component. The use of standardized parts for suspension, brakes, and drivetrain reduces complexity. The regulatory framework is valid for 10 years.

"The introduction of WRC27 gave us the opportunity to enter the championship. The new framework creates the right environment for independent projects like ours," said Hansen.

"The introduction of WRC27 gave us the opportunity to enter the championship. The new framework creates the right environment for independent projects like ours."

10 units in 24 months to homologate

To obtain homologation, Project Rally One must build 10 units within 24 months of approval. It also requires the capacity to supply at least 10 competition-ready vehicles per year to customers. The homologation is valid for 10 years.

The FIA requires participation in a minimum of 50% of events during the first season, with two units per rally. From the second year, participation in all calendar events is required. Homologation is subject to the vehicle passing development and certification tests.

Malcolm Wilson, FIA Vice President for Sport, commented that the project's arrival confirms the more accessible framework is already generating new participation. Peter Thul, Sporting Director of WRC Promoter, indicated that WRC27 cars will compete alongside Rally2 cars in the premier category.