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Lancia’s thrilling WRC comeback: can the iconic brand reclaim glory in Monte Carlo?

Simon Monroy by Simon Monroy
January 22, 2026
in Motorsports, WRC
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Lancia’s thrilling WRC comeback: can the iconic brand reclaim glory in Monte Carlo?

Lancia Makes a Bold Comeback: Can the Legendary Brand Reclaim WRC Glory?

The world of rallying is buzzing with excitement as Lancia makes its highly-anticipated return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) this weekend in Monte Carlo, where they will unleash their all-new Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2 car in the fiercely competitive WRC2 category. This moment marks a monumental chapter in motorsport history; it’s the first time since 1992 that this iconic Italian brand will field a factory-supported team, with their legendary Delta HF Integrale having last dominated the championship.

Lancia’s ambitions are sky-high! The company has boldly declared its intention to not just compete but to claim victories and contend for the championship title right from the start of the 2026 season. With a fierce rivalry against automotive giants like Toyota, Ford, Skoda, and Hyundai looming, Lancia is not holding back. Their newly developed Rally2 car is set to take the stage, and they have secured the talents of seasoned WRC2 competitors Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin to pilot their two factory-backed vehicles.

The engineering team has been hard at work since Lancia’s commitment to re-enter the WRC, and their Ypsilon Rally2 car showcases an entirely new chassis, while cleverly leveraging the successful engine and gearbox from its sibling, the Citroen C3 Rally2. This strategic approach has already yielded promising results in the WRC2 category, and both Rossel and Gryazin are optimistic about the car’s performance.

“I have a good feeling right off the bat,” Rossel exclaimed. “During my first test on gravel, the difference from the previous Citroen C3 Rally2 was immediately apparent. It’s more responsive on gravel, easier to drive, and offers instant grip. Sure, tarmac is always a challenge to gauge, but I found no surprises during testing. I truly believe we can fight for the title right away.”

As the team prepares for the demanding Monte Carlo rally, Rossel emphasizes the need for caution. “Starting in Monte Carlo is never easy. It’s crucial to avoid mistakes at the beginning while working on our setup to adapt to the stages. It’s going to be a challenging weekend, but we’re ready.”

Gryazin, who jumped at the chance to drive for Lancia, expressed his unwavering confidence despite not having tested the Ypsilon prior to signing. “I knew the Stellantis Group and Lancia well, so I was certain the car would be competitive,” he said. “Being part of this iconic brand is immensely meaningful for me, especially since my father drove a Lancia Delta early in his career. It’s an honor to contribute to its legacy.”

However, amidst the excitement, team principal Didier Clement has a pragmatic outlook. “While the mood is optimistic, we have a lot to learn about our car moving forward,” he stated. “Our development process has gone as expected, with no unexpected challenges. We’ve made significant improvements in weight and aerodynamics, and we’re excited to continue refining the car throughout the season.”

With additional test sessions planned for various terrains—Croatia, the Canary Islands, and even a specialized test in Finland—the Lancia team is gearing up for a full-throttle season of growth and competitiveness. “This project is fueled by passion, and we are all eagerly anticipating what lies ahead,” Clement added.

As rally enthusiasts hold their breath, the question remains: Can Lancia reclaim its former glory and carve out a new legacy in the modern WRC landscape? The stage is set, and Lancia is ready to make its mark!

Tags: 2025-fia-world-rally-championshiplancia-hf-corsenikolay-gryazinsyohan-rossel
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