Lancia’s Bold Comeback: The Historic Brand Races Back into WRC with a New Vision!
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Lancia, the legendary Italian manufacturer, is gearing up for a sensational return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2024 with its Rally2 program. Armed with the all-new Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2 car, Lancia is set to reclaim its status as a formidable force in rally racing, a domain it once dominated with an unparalleled 10 WRC manufacturers’ titles. But what does this strategic comeback mean for the future of Lancia and rallying?
During an electrifying presentation at Stellantis Motorsport’s headquarters in Paris, Lancia unveiled its highly anticipated Rally2 challenger, shedding light on a carefully crafted plan that extends beyond just WRC participation. The manufacturer aims to dominate not only in the WRC2 category but is also eyeing the European Rally Championship and national championships by 2026. This ambitious trajectory signifies a clear commitment to revitalizing the brand’s competitive spirit and market presence.
Lancia’s decision to enter the WRC with a Rally2 car comes amid a significant shift in the championship’s structure, as teams and manufacturers prepare for a technical overhaul set for 2027. These new regulations promise to keep costs down—capped at €345,000—while maintaining competitive performance standards that mirror current Rally2 vehicles. The FIA’s hope is to encourage a wave of new entrants, sparking a renaissance in the sport. Currently, only Toyota is actively developing a car under these future regulations, suggesting Lancia’s timing could be crucial.
Eugenio Franzetti, director of Lancia HF Corse, articulated the rationale behind opting for the Rally2 class over the forthcoming WRC27. He emphasized the financial advantages: “At the end, this category [Rally2] the cost to develop this car is less than the new category [WRC27]. It is a product you can sell, so you can make money.” This approach allows Lancia to compete aggressively while simultaneously generating revenue through the sale of cars to teams—creating a ‘magic circle’ of investment and return.
Franzetti’s remarks underline the brand’s intent to not only participate but to thrive within the competitive landscape: “We will have 120 teams looking at the car and maybe buying the car,” he noted, showcasing the expectations of widespread interest. The strategic focus on Rally2 enables Lancia to engage in a variety of competitions, thus maximizing visibility and potential victories across local and European championships.
Question marks surrounding the Ypsilon HF Integrale’s lineage arose when images of the vehicle leaked online, leading to speculation it might be a rebadged Citroen C3 Rally2. However, Franzetti put those rumors to rest, clarifying that the Ypsilon is built on a completely new chassis with significant enhancements. While it shares an engine and gearbox with the C3, they have undergone substantial refinements to elevate performance on both tarmac and gravel surfaces.
Lancia’s ambitious plan includes an exhilarating goal: to clinch the WRC2 title in its inaugural season with the Ypsilon. Yet, to achieve this, they must assemble a powerhouse driver lineup for a minimum of eight WRC rounds next year. Although Lancia is currently tight-lipped about driver identities due to contractual obligations, speculation is rife that top contenders like Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin are in the mix, alongside seasoned Rally2 veterans.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Lancia’s management expressed confidence in their new machine’s capabilities following promising test results. Franzetti stated, “The testing has been very positive, and the level of maturity of the car is very high.” With a robust evolution in the car’s mechanical aspects, the team is poised to challenge industry giants like Skoda, Toyota, and Ford.
As Lancia prepares to roll out the Ypsilon to over 120 eager potential customers, the stakes are higher than ever. With a dedicated team, a visionary approach, and a rich heritage fueling their ambition, Lancia is not just returning to rallying; they are on a quest to reclaim their throne in the motorsport world. The countdown to their comeback begins as anticipation builds for their debut at Monte Carlo, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating chapter in rally history!








