Loeb after Project Rally One test: Don't expect to see me at Rallye Monte-Carlo!

Pulse Sports Team 19:10 - 10 October 2026

Nine-time World Rally Champion Sébastien Loeb revealed to DirtFish that sheer curiosity and geographic proximity were the main reasons behind his decision to test Project Rally One's proposed 2027 Rally1 prototype.

The French rallying legend put the tarmac-spec machine through its paces over the weekend in the Vosges region.

"I am currently in Vosges, right where they are testing the Rally1 car. It was a convenient opportunity because I know Lionel Hansen from a previous race we did together in a GT3 Porsche," Loeb explained.

"The location was very close to my home, and I'm always intrigued to discover a new car. I wanted to get a feel for how the new WRC concept drives, and this was an ideal chance. I did several runs, and the car handled really well. Naturally, the power isn't the same as the 2017 Fiesta WRC I drove at Rallye Vosges a few months ago, but the overall feeling was genuinely enjoyable."

Loeb, who is currently under contract with Dacia, was quick to downplay any speculation surrounding a potential full-time WRC comeback: "There's no need to expect me in Monte Carlo."