The implementation of the WRC27 regulations has already begun to reshape the manufacturer landscape within the World Rally Championship. Within this context, a joint project between the Royal Spanish Automobile Federation, the governing body of motorsport in Spain, and RMC Motorsport has been presented during the Rally Islas Canarias, with the intention of placing a new car in the top category starting in 2027.

The Spanish federation enters into manufacturer development

The agreement introduces an unusual formula within the championship. The federation participates directly in a program that is not limited to supporting drivers or teams, but rather enters the vehicle development phase. This move places it in a different role than other FIA member clubs. RMC Motorsport takes on the design, manufacturing, and evolution of the car. The company, founded in 2004 by Roberto Méndez and based in Villablino, has built 14 Group N5 models that have competed in national and international championships. This track record supports a project that now aims for the top category.

Photo By FIA

The regulations coming into force in 2027 introduce a price cap of €345,000 per unit and a common base for several car elements. These include all-wheel drive, double-wishbone suspension, a tubular safety cell, and a 1.6-liter turbo engine with sustainable fuels. This framework allows independent preparers to enter under the same conditions as a manufacturer and requires the production of units for customer teams. This is the foundation of RMC Motorsport's plan, which contemplates both its on-track presence and the commercialization of the car within the championship.

The vehicle will not be linked to a production model and will have its own bodywork. The engine definition is still in process, with ongoing discussions with Rally2-related suppliers. The choice of this component will be one of the central points in the next phase of the project. The roadmap includes a presentation in October 2026. The goal is to participate in part of the 2027 calendar before planning a full program in 2028, depending on development and homologation timelines. Participation in Monte Carlo is not confirmed within that initial plan.

Javier Villa will be in charge of the initial tests. The Spaniard competed in GP2 and the World Touring Car Championship before focusing on rallying and hill climbs, and he will work on the car's setup in its first outings. The driver lineup to compete has not been defined. The federation acknowledges contacts with different names, including Dani Sordo, although no agreements have been finalized at this stage. The project joins other programs already confirmed for WRC27. Toyota is the only manufacturer that has announced a new car, and Project Rally One is advancing as an independent preparer. With these initiatives underway, the start of the new regulations is beginning to take shape, although there are still no public definitions from other championship manufacturers.