News about the World Rally Championship surfaced late last year when Project Rally One was announced as a new entrant in the competition starting in 2027. DirtFish has now released the first image of the car that Project Rally One will use, which will be powered by a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 engine. This marks the team's first public announcement in a series that is attracting interest as it gears up for its debut.

Project Rally One will become the first officially announced new team for the World Championship in 2027, operating as a so-called 'tuner manufacturer'. According to the new regulations set to take effect in 2027, tuner manufacturers are private teams that build their cars based on the upcoming technical rules and cost caps. This is a significant shift in the sport, aiming to promote fairness and competitiveness within the championship.

The team's leadership includes Yves Matton, a seasoned automotive professional from Belgium. At 58, Matton has extensive experience in the rally world, having previously worked with Citroën among other notable teams. With the emergence of Project Rally One, the landscape of the World Rally Championship may be evolving, signaling new opportunities for private teams and altering the fabric of the competition.