The Belgian team around Lionel Hansen has taken another important step on the road to the World Rally Championship. The technical documents for the homologation of the new Rally1 car are now with the FIA. Project RallyOne therefore remains on schedule to field two cars at the season opener in January.
The driver line‑up is still open. According to the team, talks are currently underway with various potential partners to enable the planned entry at the Rallye Monte Carlo.
New engine concept and revised drivetrain
At the same time, technical development continues. Last week Project RallyOne completed two further asphalt test days around Saint-Dié-des-Vosges in the French Vosges. Nine‑time world champion Sebastien Loeb and former Citroen factory driver Stephane Lefebvre conducted the test work.
The focus was on the latest technical changes to the car. Development of the engine was particularly extensive. The team has worked out a new engine concept based on a power unit from the Volkswagen Group and integrated purpose‑built components for it. Larger changes were also made to the power transmission.
Loeb had already tested the WRC27 prototype in October. Among others, Teemu Suninen, Bruno Thiry and Freddy Loix were involved in the development work.
