New World Rally Championship constructor Project Rally One has again called upon rally legend Sebastien Loeb to test its 2027 car ahead of its debut in Monte Carlo next year.
Development Testing in France
The nine-time world rally champion joined the Belgian squad’s regular test driver Stephane Lefebvre to put the car through its paces on asphalt around Saint-Die-des-Vosges in France last week. According to Motorsport.com, it marks the second time Loeb has driven the vehicle following an initial outing last month.
Project Rally One has utilized as many as eight drivers during its development testing phase. This group includes experienced figures such as former factory WRC drivers Freddy Loix and Bruno Thiry, while newly crowned European rally champion Teemu Suninen led development efforts on gravel last month.
Team representatives detailed the recent evaluations in an official statement provided to Motorsport.com, noting that a two-day tarmac test session took place earlier last week with Loeb and Lefebvre behind the wheel.
“Both were complimentary on the last introduced evolutions, such as the complete new engine concept development, based on VAG Group (Volkswagen Audi Group) unit with new dedicated components and an important evolution on the transmission side,” the team stated.
Homologation and 2027 Debut Plans
The team is edging closer to its competition goals after officially submitting its homologation papers to the FIA before the required deadline. Motorsport.com reported that this submission places the outfit on track for a two-car entry at the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo in 2027.
“Meanwhile, the homologation dossier has been submitted on time to FIA, which means that Rally One should be in line for a two-car participation to Rallye Monte-Carlo 2027. No drivers have been selected for this event yet and various discussions with potential partners are under way,” the team added.
Project Rally One intends to contest a partial WRC programme next year. The Belgian outfit stands as one of two new tuner teams expected to compete in selected WRC rounds, alongside Spain’s RMC Motorsport, which plans to unveil its 2027 challenger in the coming weeks.
