Sébastien Loeb and Teemu Suninen test for Project Rally One

In a statement from Project Rally One regarding the latest test of the Rally1 car – which is being developed in accordance with the new World Rally Championship regulations due to come into force in 2027 – it was stated:

“Project Rally One completed a two-day test in the French Vosges last week.” On Thursday, Teemu Suninen took the wheel as the test driver. The team had to contend with rain throughout the day, which allowed them to test the set-up for wet conditions.”

Das Project Rally One-Team um Lionel Hansen wagt Einstieg in Rallye-WM

Foto: Lukas Kathol

“On Friday, Sébastien Loeb took the wheel. This time, the weather conditions were milder, and driving took place mainly on dry tarmac. The feedback from both drivers was positive, and their input was crucial for the further development of the car.”

In addition to this duo, Stéphane Lefebvre, Bruno Thiry and Freddy Loix had already tested Project Rally One’s new car.

Der finnische Europameister Teemu Suninen testet für Rally One Project

Foto: Red Bull

Project Rally One has announced that it will initially focus on the tarmac rounds of the World Rally Championship in the coming season, although intensive development work for gravel terrain is also planned. According to the team, Suninen is the main test driver for loose surfaces.

The homologation dossier is currently being prepared by Lionel Hansen’s team. The documents are due to be submitted to the FIA’s Technical Department by the end of October in order to secure the car’s approval for competition.

Project Rally One-Auto: Intensive Testphase hat begonnen

Foto: Lukas Kathol

For Loeb, who hails from Alsace, the test was a home affair. Most recently, the World Rally Raid Championship title contender had won a round of the French Rally Championship in the Vosges in June, driving an old WRC Ford Fiesta. In a Porsche 992 GT+ (RallyGT) prepared by Lionel Hansen, Loeb had finished second at the Rallye Charlemagne in northern France in July.