The return of Lancia to the World Rally Championship (WRC) may be imminent. The Italian manufacturer is legendary in the rally world, but it has been more than three decades since it competed at the highest level.
Now under the ownership of the Stellantis group, Lancia is expected to come back with the Ypsilon. According to the publication Autosprint, the program could start as early as this year, with competitive debut in 2025 with a Rally2. Then, 2026 would be dedicated to developing the car for the top class of the WRC, aiming for 2027.
The current Rally1 cars will exit the scene at the end of 2026. It seems that the FIA will choose a different path, focusing on an evolved version of the Rally2 specifications as the future of the WRC.
Lancia’s departure from rallying dates back to 1993. In its record, the Italian manufacturer has ten constructors’ titles between 1974 and 1992, a record that still stands today. It was also a four-time drivers’ champion, thanks to Miki Biasion and Juha Kankkunen. Lancia drivers achieved a total of 73 victories and 193 podiums.
