Why Lancia's new Rally2 challenger could mark the start of something big

For diehard fans, the unveiling of a new Lancia rally car will always have the power to stir excitement given the Italian company’s illustrious history in the sport.

It conjures up images of past rally masters, beginning with the beautiful Fulvia, which was followed by the even more stunning Stratos that put the marque on the rally map - guiding it to three consecutive World Rally manufacturers’ crowns.

Then there was the 037 – the last two-wheel-drive car to win the world title in 1983 – before the monstrous S4 arrived at the end of the Group B era. Success continued with the Delta 4WD and Integrale, before factory involvement disappeared from the WRC scene in 1992. 

Now, it appears that Lancia’s WRC history, which includes a record 10 manufacturer crowns, is set for a new chapter following the unveiling of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale that’s likely to hit the WRC stages next year.

Since Lancia announced its return to rallying last year with its two-wheel-drive Ypsilon Rally4 car, speculation has been rife that this was merely a toe in the water and that something larger was on the horizon. The unveiling of the Rally2 version of the Ypsilon is proof of that. 

A brief statement from the marque, and a teaser video on social media, created plenty of intrigue concerning Lancia’s plans. “The new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale makes its debut, bringing the legendary spirit of Lancia’s rally victories into today’s motorsport and this is just the beginning,” it reads.

The return of Lancia is part of a motorsport reshuffle within the Stellantis Group, which owns Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati, Opel and Peugeot. Lancia is expected to take over the group’s factory supported Rally2 programme currently backed by Citroen, which supports the PH Sport operation in fielding C3 Rally2 cars for brothers Yohan and Leo Rossel in WRC2.

It was also announced that, from next year, Citroen will move its support to Formula E, replacing Maserati, which exits the electric-racing scene. A formal launch and confirmation of Lancia’s rally plans is expected soon.

1976 manufacturers’ crown one of a record 10 won by Lancia

Photo by: Motorsport Images

This move into Rally2 is not the return of a full-factory WRC team akin to the days when Martini-liveried Deltas ruled the roost. It’s easy to get carried away, but the news does represent a significant step in the direction of a full-fat comeback.

The timing of the launch is, in itself, intriguing. Moving into the Rally2 sphere in 2026 is interesting given the WRC is preparing for a major shift in technical regulations due to be introduced in 2027, with next season the last for the current Rally1 machines. 

Under the new regulations, ‘WRC27’ cars will be built to a cost cap and deliver around 300bhp while using a spaceframe chassis and Rally2 componentry, including engines. From 2027, current Rally2 machinery will compete alongside WRC27 cars as the top class of the WRC.

It begs the question that if Lancia is prepared to develop an Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, why did it not wait and build a WRC27-spec car to the new rules? 

The prospect of Rally2 cars competing against the WRC27 machines in 2027 presents current and prospective manufacturers with an interesting dilemma

There are a couple of factors to consider. Given it has the C3 Rally2 car platform to build on, it makes sense to use what’s already in operation within the Stellantis fold. Developing a body and other components using the C3 platform is perhaps a more cost-effective way into the championship, which also prolongs the Rally2 model and has the ability to increase customer sales of the car. 

But the prospect of Rally2 cars competing against the WRC27 machines in 2027 also presents current and prospective manufacturers with an interesting dilemma. In theory, Lancia could compete in this class of the WRC with its Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, going up against the likes of Toyota, which has just surpassed Citroen to top the all-time WRC rally wins list.

Is this the meaning behind the tantalising “this is just the beginning” statement, or is there even more to come?

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Lancia’s return to rallying is part of a motorsport reshuffle within the Stellantis Group

Photo by: Lancia