FIA confirm new WRC constructor for 2027

The FIA has confirmed a new constructor will join the World Rally Championship in 2027, alongside the existing manufacturers, Project Rally One. 

On Wednesday, the FIA and the WRC confirmed Project Rally One will join the sport for the new regulatory cycle with the team set to build, design and homologate a WRC27-Spec car. 

It follows confirmation of the final elements as part of the WRC27 regulations, set to come into force in 2027. The regulation opens the door for independent tuners to come into the sport and perform on equal levels with the current manufacturers. 

Project Rally One, founded by Lionel Hansen, Yves Matton and Prospeed, marks the first project to be officially led by a tuner heading into the new era of the WRC. 

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

M-Sport Ford announces McErlean and Armstrong for WRC 2026

The car will be designed to meet the WRC27 requirements in the technical regulations, cost-capped at 345k euro. These technical conditions mandate tubular safety cells, a double wishbone suspension layout, four-wheel-drive configuration and a 1.6 litre turbocharged internal combustion engine. 

Project Rally One has already placed a focus on suspension and ‘geometry optimisation, weight distribution’ and reliability. Once the car is built, it is expected to undergo comprehensive development, which will include more than 6,000 kilometres of gravel and asphalt testing. 

In the announcement, FIA Deputy President of Sport, Malcolm Wilson OBE, praised the new arrival. He said: 

“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.”

Read more WRC here:

• M-Sport Ford announces McErlean and Armstrong for WRC 2026
• Hyundai confirm 2026 WRC ‘tried and tested’ line-up
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• Sebastien Ogier has clinched ninth title as Thierry Neuville takes Saudi Arabia win
• Sebastien Ogier on the cusp of ninth world title at Rally Saudi Arabia
• Sesks inherits lead after Saudi Arabia day 3 as title goes to the wire

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.