Lancia goes global: its world debut (FIA World Rally Championship - WRC2) set in Monte Carlo, January 2026

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Lancia goes global: its world debut is set in Monte Carlo, January 2026

(+) In 2026, Lancia will make its comeback to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC2). The announcement was revealed in an emotional video featuring Luca Napolitano, Miki Biasion, and Eugenio Franzetti, celebrating the return of the most successful rally brand of all time.

(+). The world debut will take place at the Monte Carlo Rally (22–25 January 2026), the first race of the 2026 WRC, where the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale will tackle the legendary French Alpine roads in the WRC2 category.

(+). A complete rally range, consistent with the Lancia Corse HF strategy: from the Ypsilon HF Racing to the Ypsilon Rally4 HF, to the new Rally2 HF Integrale, symbol of continuity between a glorious past and a competitive future.

(+) Rallye Sanremo closes an extraordinary season: the Lancia 2025 Trophy crowns Pisani and Biagi as champions of the single-make and CIAR 2Ruote Motrici championships, confirming the technical and sporting success of the Ypsilon Rally4 HF and the audience's enthusiasm for the brand’s return to rallying.

"Rallye Sanremo was the ideal setting to close a memorable season and open a new one - declared Luca Napolitano, CEO of Lancia. After the success of the Lancia Trophy and the Ypsilon Rally4 HF, we are ready to take one further step. We can proudly announce that Lancia will return to the WRC, where the brand has written some of the most legendary pages in rallying history. This is a natural return for the most successful rally brand ever, which approaches the future with the same passion and determination that made it a world icon. See you in January, in Monte Carlo, for the first race of the 2026 World Championship".

In a thrilling video (https://youtu.be/vCWGXHXmOxA?si=0bvd8S4RpJa_KNpR) featuring Luca Napolitano, Miki Biasion, and Eugenio Franzetti, the Lancia brand officially announced its return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) during the final round of the Lancia 2025 Trophy in Sanremo. Specifically, the 2026 WRC season will open with the Monte Carlo Rally, scheduled on 22-25 January on France's icy Alpine roads, one of motorsport's most iconic settings. This Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale is part of the customer racing program, making it available to drivers and teams to compete worldwide. Full details on the new car and Lancia's sporting program will be announced later at the Stellantis Motorsport headquarters.

With the arrival of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, which will compete in WRC2, Lancia’s rally lineup becomes even more complete and ambitious, complementing the Rally4 HF and Rally HF Racing with a new protagonist ready to bring the brand back onto the world stage.

The announcement of Lancia’s return to the World Championship comes at the most significant moment, at the conclusion of a season that celebrated the brand’s sporting revival and the strength of the Lancia Corse HF project. The Rallye Sanremo spectacularly closed the 2025 Lancia Trophy, offering a final, thrilling chapter to a championship that marked the official return of the brand to rallying. Against the stunning backdrop of the Ligurian inland and the Riviera dei Fiori, the Ypsilon Rally4 HF once again proved to be the undisputed star, showcasing its reliability, speed, and show-stopping performance.

Lancia’s return to rallying couldn’t have gone any better: while the Trophy delivered record-breaking numbers at every event, the Turin-based brand also clinched the Titolo Costruttori Due Ruote Motrici of the Campionato Italiano Assoluto at the Rallye Sanremo, sealing a record-breaking comeback to competition. Gianandrea Pisani and Nicola Biagi claimed the 2025 Lancia Trophy with one race to spare, capping an extraordinary season in which they dominated the single-make series and secured the Piloti CIAR 2Ruote Motrici title, returning Lancia to national glory after more than thirty years. Their flawless campaign, built on consistency, talent, and determination, perfectly embodies the spirit with which Lancia has returned as a top competitor in rallying.

But the grand finale of the Lancia Trophy, held at the Rallye Sanremo, also delivered the second win of the season for Davide Pesavento and Alessandro Michelet, who took control as early as in the second special race and from then on were unreachable. The driver from Veneto, who set six fastest times - earning the Best Performer bonus points - and won the Miki Stage, managed perfectly to fend off the comeback of 2025 Champion Gianandrea Pisani who, alongside Nicola Biagi, claimed the second place after an impressive second day that saw them take victory in the Classifica Master. Third place went to Edoardo De Antoni with Martina Musiari, who also finished second among the Masters.

The Under-25 podium was claimed by Gabriel Di Pietro, co-driven by Andrea Dresti, who, with today’s result, is crowned 2025 Junior Champion of the Lancia Trophy, and by Lady Asia Vidori, with her first podium of the season in her category. Meanwhile, Federico Francia and Chiara Lombardi took third place among the Masters and closed the Top5.

The fierce battle in the Expert category crowned Mauro Porzia and Arianna Genaro, as the result of a consistent, measured, and smart season. The race success, however, went to wildcard duo Paolo Vigo - Matteo Canobbio, after a race full of twists and turns. The Ligurian driver prevailed over the other wildcard crew, with Christian Casadei and Nadir Bionazzi.

The Sanremo stage represented the culmination of a six-event series of high standards, which saw both participation and technical level increase round after round. The Lancia Trophy also confirmed the validity of a formula that combines competition and accessibility, attracting experienced drivers as well as young talents eager to showcase their skills behind the Ypsilon Rally4 HF. Throughout the season, the single-make series accounted for approximately 25% of the total entries in the Campionato Italiano Assoluto Rally, confirming the success of the initiative and the strength of the sporting project.

Public enthusiasm was remarkable. Thousands of fans filled the Lancia villages at every stage, experiencing the brand’s passion up close. Spectators had the chance to admire the new Ypsilon range, legendary models such as the Rally 037 and Delta Integrale, meet the protagonists of the Trophy, and dive into the authentic Lancia sporting spirit, which unites different generations into a big, passionate family.

The undisputed star of the season was the Ypsilon Rally4 HF, developed with the technical guidance of two-time World Champion Miki Biasion. It demonstrated excellent performance, standing out for its precise setup, engine brilliance, and reliability across all types of terrain. The Rallye Sanremo thus marked not only the end of an extraordinary season but also the beginning of a new era for Lancia, which now looks ahead to the World Championship with enthusiasm, expertise, and a forward-looking vision.


Source Lancia

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Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin, official drivers of Team Lancia Corse HF in the 2026 World Rally Championship, WRC2 category

(+) At the wheel of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, two complementary drivers will mark the return of the Italian brand to rallying.

(+) The reigning WRC2 Vice-World Champions Yohan Rossel and Arnaud Dunand, together with the reigning WRC2 Challenger World Champions Nikolay Gryazin and his co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov, will take the start of the 94th Rallye Monte Carlo 2026 as the official crews of Team Lancia Corse HF.


Team Lancia Corse HF will officially enter two Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale cars for the 2026 WRC2 season, beginning at the Rallye Monte Carlo from January 22 to 25, 2026. The team will rely on PH Sport for operations, with the support of Yacco and Sparco. With his extensive rally experience, Didier Clément will serve as Team Principal.

French driver Yohan Rossel (30yo) has climbed every step nationally and internationally behind the wheel of Stellantis Group cars. Junior French Champion, Promotion Cup winner, WRC3 World Champion in 2021, WRC2 Vice-World Champion in 2025—these are just part of his achievements.

Bulgarian driver Nikolay Gryazin (28yo) brings vast international experience. He has mastered the toughest surfaces, notably winning the ERC U28 title and the WRC2 Challenger World Championship.

The duo will reunite at Monte Carlo under the official banner of Team Lancia Corse HF. It will be a historic moment. After eleven Manufacturers’ World titles and as many stage victories at Rallye Monte Carlo, Lancia had left the FIA World Rally Championship in the early 1990s.

Since the release of the first images of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF, followed by the official presentation and commercial launch, enthusiasm around the Italian brand’s return has been immediate. More than 40 cars have already been ordered to compete in international and national championships. This Rally2 also represents the final step in Lancia’s rally ladder, enabling young talents to climb the ranks.


Roberta Zerbi, CEO of Lancia

“Lancia’s return to world rallying is an important step, and we approach it with a strong sense of responsibility. Yohan and Nikolay bring distinct perspectives, a modern understanding of the sport, and the right attitude to grow alongside our project. The Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale was created to compete at the highest level, and the work of the Lancia Corse HF team allows us to look at this new chapter with confidence and clarity. See you in Monte-Carlo in January!”


Yohan Rossel, Official WRC2 Driver – Team Lancia Corse HF

“Discovering Lancia’s pedigree and listening to Miki Biasion, who compares Lancia to Ferrari, you immediately understand it is a brand that commands respect. I am therefore very proud to join Lancia with the same motivation I had at the start of my career. This new chapter will give real momentum to my career: a new manufacturer, great ambitions, and the desire to go even further with the project… to win.”


Nikolay Gryazin, Official WRC2 Driver – Team Lancia Corse HF

“I am very proud to join Team Lancia Corse HF as an official driver for the 2026 season. Lancia has an iconic history in rallying, and it is a tremendous honour for me to be part of this story. With the team, we share the same ambitions: to fight at the front, to keep improving every day, and to bring this legendary name back to its rightful place. I am highly motivated for the work ahead, from the very first test to the final stage of the season. I want to thank Team Lancia Corse HF for their trust, as well as my partners and fans for their continued support.”


Didier Clément, Team Principal - Team Lancia Corse HF

“To mark the return of Lancia, an iconic brand with an incredible rallying heritage, we needed to rely on drivers capable of fighting for victory at every race. Our two crews are as complete as they are complementary. The crew of Yohan Rossel and Arnaud Dunand embodies loyalty and consistency in performance. Having competed from the start behind the wheel of Stellantis Group rally cars, they came close to the world title in 2025 and are among the top favourites. It also seemed natural to reunite the duo who competed in the 2024 season with six victories. It is therefore with great pleasure that we have called upon Nikolay and Konstantin, who will strengthen Team Lancia Corse HF in WRC2.”


Yohan Rossel's palmares

WRC2 World Runner-up – 2025
WRC3 World Champion – 2021
French Championship Winner – 2019
Citroën Racing Trophy Champion – 2016
French Junior Champion – 2014

Nikolay Gryazin's palmares

WRC2 Challenger Champion – 2025
WRC2 Challenger World Runner-up – 2024
WRC2 Challenger World Runner-up – 2023
Latvian Champion – 2020
ERC Junior Champion – 2018


Source Lancia

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Lancia returns to the Rallye Monte-Carlo: world debut in WRC2 for the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale


(+) Scheduled from 22 to 25 January 2026, the 94th edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo is the opening round of the 2026 WRC season. It marks Lancia’s official return to the World Rally Championship with the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

(+) The event will feature 17 special stages, covering 339,15 timed kilometres, with the extreme weather conditions typical of Monte-Carlo.

(+) Lancia Corse HF Team will field Yohan Rossel, making his seventh appearance at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, and Nikolay Gryazin, competing for the 6th time in the Principality. Both crews arrive with strong performance ambitions at one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar.

(+) Taking centre stage is the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, a brand-new car developed through an intensive testing and validation programme, integrating advanced solutions in terms of weight, aerodynamics, engine, transmission, chassis, ergonomics and FIA safety.

(+) The strength of the project is confirmed by the 60 units of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale already purchased by teams and private customers in these first months.

(+) Trofeo Lancia set for its second edition, with the introduction of the new Ypsilon HF Racing Rally6 class.


The Rallye Monte-Carlo, the opening round of the 2026 World Rally Championship (WRC), represents a key milestone in Lancia’s motorsport journey, as the brand officially returns to the World Rally Championship with the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, competing in the WRC2 category. Now in its 94th edition, the iconic Monaco-based event is one of the most prestigious and selective rallies on the entire calendar.

Scheduled from 22 to 25 January 2026, the rally will consist of 17 special stages totalling 339,15 timed kilometres, along a route that will put both crews and cars to the ultimate test. The traditional weather conditions of the Rallye Monte-Carlo - characterised by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures - will make race management particularly challenging, with tyre strategy set to play a decisive role in the final outcome.

For this important debut, the official Lancia Corse HF Team will field two leading figures from the international rally scene. Yohan Rossel (30yo), making his seventh appearance at the Rallye Monte-Carlo, while Nikolay Gryazin (28yo) will compete for the 6th time in the Principality’s classic race. French driver Rossel has climbed every step nationally and internationally behind the wheel of Stellantis Group cars. Junior French Champion, Promotion Cup winner, WRC3 World Champion in 2021, WRC2 Vice-World Champion in 2025—these are just part of his achievements. Bulgarian driver Gryazin brings vast international experience. He mastered the toughest surfaces, notably winning the ERC U28 title and the WRC2 Challenger World Championship.

Both crews arrive at the event with strong performance ambitions, determined to exploit the full potential of the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale in one of the toughest competitions in the world championship. Moreover, the Rallye Monte-Carlo holds a special place in the brand’s history: Lancia boasts 13 overall victories in this legendary event, a record that underlines the deep bond between the brand and the most prestigious rally in the championship, giving this return particularly strong symbolic value. Highlighting the strategic importance of the event, the presence of Jean-Marc Finot, Senior VP Stellantis Motorsport, is also planned, along with Roberta Zerbi, CEO of Lancia, confirming the Stellantis Group’s commitment to the development of the rally project and to the brand’s sporting renaissance.

Zerbi said: “The Rallye Monte-Carlo represents far more than a race for Lancia: it is a symbolic place in our motorsport history and, today, the starting point of a new phase. Our return to WRC2 with the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale is not a nostalgic operation, but a strategic choice, fully embedded in the brand’s relaunch journey.”

Miki Biasion will also be present at the Rallye Monte-Carlo. A two-time World Rally Champion and Lancia brand Ambassador, he is a symbolic figure in the brand’s motorsport history and will accompany the team at this iconic event.

Taking centre stage at the event is the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, an entirely new car that benefits from the experience gained over multiple racing seasons. All the improvements, evolutions and optimisations developed over the years have been integrated into a single platform, focused on seven key development areas: weight and balance, with significant mass reduction and a lower centre of gravity; advanced aerodynamics, improving downforce and stability at high speed; engine performance and drivability, featuring a new anti-lag system (ALS); transmission with revised gear ratios and differentials optimised for all surfaces; chassis and suspension fine-tuned to deliver class-leading performance on both tarmac and gravel; driver environment, redesigned for maximum ergonomics, comfort and concentration; bodyshell and roll cage, entirely new to ensure superior rigidity and full FIA safety compliance.

Developed through an intensive programme of testing and validation - carried out on both sides of the Alpine mountain roads and at the Balocco circuit (VC) - the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale blends engineering precision with Lancia’s distinctive identity, aiming to establish itself among the leading contenders of the category. The solidity of the project is further confirmed by the 60 units of the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale purchased by teams and private customers in these first months. With the 2026 Rallye Monte-Carlo, Lancia therefore officially opens a new chapter in its motorsport journey, combining tradition, innovation, and ambition on one of the most renowned stages of global motorsport.

“Opening the rally season in Monaco is always a special moment, both in terms of the prestige and the demands of this event. This year, we will combine this challenge with the honour of wearing the colours of Lancia, which has already won thirteen times on Monegasque soil. The new Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2 is ready to go, having undergone an intensive development programme in varied conditions representative of those expected this weekend. Thanks to the work accomplished and the strength of our crews, Y. Rossel – A. Dunand and N. Gryazin – K. Aleksandrov, we are approaching the Monte Carlo Rally with all the humility required by this legendary event, but also with a great deal of passion and ambition." stated Didier Clément, Team Principal Lancia Corse HF.

Nikolay Gryazin said: “Before Monte Carlo, we completed two full days of testing just before the New Year. The focus was on understanding the car, its balance, and behavior in different conditions, while building a solid baseline and good communication with the engineers. Despite limited time, the tests were very productive and gave us a clear direction. Preparing for Lancia’s return at Monte Carlo was something special. Beyond performance, the priority was to start this project the right way. Monte Carlo is always demanding due to changing conditions, so arriving confident and well-prepared was key. Starting the season in Monaco and being part of Lancia’s official return to rallying is a real honour. Sharing this moment with Yohan Rossel and Didier Clément made it even more meaningful. This launch represents history, ambition, and the future we are building together, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Yohan Rossel stated: “The sensations during testing were good, even though conditions were quite complicated. We quickly found satisfactory settings. On the other hand, it is difficult to know what to expect for the rally, as snow is forecast almost everywhere. Adaptation will therefore be key. It was really great to be part of this launch. Our sport needs moments like this. We would have liked to enjoy it more, but with the reconnaissance day the next day, we preferred to play it safe. It was an excellent way to mark the start of the season with Lancia. Now we have only one desire: to get started on Thursday and see where we stand.”

Meanwhile, in Italy, preparations are underway for the second edition of the Trofeo Lancia, which will feature the two “sister” Ypsilon cars seen at Monte-Carlo: the confirmed Ypsilon Rally4 HF and the major new entry for the season, the Ypsilon HF Racing Rally6.
The latter represents the key novelty for 2026, with a dedicated class and a prize fund entirely reserved for this category. The Trofeo resumes from where it left off, building on the Italian Two-Wheel Drive Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ Championship titles and on a project that has already proven to be highly successful.

The calendar is confirmed with 6 rallies across 5 events — including one double-header — within the Italian Rally Championship Sparco (CIAR). The rich prize fund also remains unchanged, awarding prizes at each round and offering the Under35 Champion the opportunity to become an official Lancia driver in 2027. All the details of the Trofeo Lancia 2026 will be unveiled at the Racing Meeting, scheduled for 7–8 February at the Vicenza Exhibition Centre.

Source Lancia

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Lancia Corse makes a statement on its WRC2 return at Rallye Monte-Carlo

(+) Lancia confirms the competitiveness of the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale with an impressive final leg that lifted the brand to the top end of the classification

(+) Rossel reacts to an early setback and closes the rally with overall Super Sunday victory, wins on all Sunday stages and a clear statement of the team’s determination

(+) Gryazin finishes sixth in WRC2 after fighting for victory until SS12 in one of the toughest Monte-Carlo editions in recent history

(+) The Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale makes its race debut with the final WRC2 livery, designed for enhance the car’s dynamic lines and featuring Lancia’s iconic red, black and white colours.


The Rallye Monte-Carlo has once again lived up to its legendary reputation, delivering one of the most spectacular, demanding and unpredictable editions of the modern era. From Wednesday 21st to Sunday 26th January, the opening round of the FIA World Rally Championship 2026 confronted crews with conditions rarely seen in the Principality over the past decade, as snow and ice returned in force for the first time in more than 11 years.

Against this dramatic backdrop, Lancia Corse completed its first official outing in the WRC2 category with the long-awaited Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, entering two cars for Yohan Rossel with Arnaund Dunand and Nikolay Gryazin with Konstantin Aleksandrov. The result was a performance that confirmed the competitiveness, resilience and outright pace of the new Rally2 project from its very first appearance on the world stage.


EXTREME CONDITIONS, PURE MONTE-CARLO
The 94th edition of the Rallye Monte-Carlo was marked by constantly changing conditions, with crews facing a full spectrum of surfaces: dry asphalt, rain, compacted snow, slush and ice. Tyre choice proved crucial at every stage, placing teams under relentless pressure and rewarding precision, experience and technical preparation.

In this context, the Lancia Corse crews delivered a highly competitive and determined performance, combining outright speed with the ability to react and recover in the face of adversity.

STAGE WINS, PERFORMANCE AND DETERMINATION
Across the event, the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale claimed 8 WRC2 stage victories: 7 for Rossel and 1 for Gryazin. Most notably, the Italian marque dominated the entire final leg of the rally, winning all four WRC2 stages on Sunday, including the Power Stage.

Rossel’s performance on the final day was outstanding. Taking full advantage of improved road conditions and the strong balance of the car, he secured four wins out of four stages in WRC2, set consistent top-five times overall, and recorded two second-fastest overall times on SS14 and SS15. His pace culminated in a fifth-fastest time overall on the Power Stage, earning one additional world championship point.

This decisive charge allowed Rossel to claim victory in the Super Sunday classification, awarded based solely on the final leg – an extraordinary result, achieved ahead of Rally1 cars, that underlines both driver performance and the competitive level of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. This allowed the team to leave Monaco leading the WRC2 Teams’ standings.

A RALLY OF ATTACK AND RECOVERY
The rally did not lack drama. Rossel’s hopes of an overall WRC2 victory were compromised early when a minor impact with a wall on the opening stage forced retirement on Thursday. Restarting under Super Rally rules, the Frenchman responded with authority, using the remainder of the event to demonstrate the full potential of the car in some of the most demanding conditions of the season.

Gryazin, meanwhile, immediately showed front-running pace, moving into the WRC2 lead before a light contact on SS2 damaged the left-rear suspension. Together with Aleksandrov, he carried out an excellent repair job before SS3, allowing the crew to remain in the fight and stay firmly in contention for victory until SS12. There, in extreme conditions with full ice and snow cover, the crew slid wide on a fast section, losing rear traction and sliding down the embankment, once again damaging the left-rear suspension and forcing a restart under Super Rally rules.

They finished sixth in WRC2, a result that does not fully reflect the competitiveness and performance shown throughout the weekend, but one that leaves extremely positive impressions and strong confidence heading into the upcoming rounds.

Roberta Zerbi, CEO of Lancia
“We had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Rallye Monte-Carlo marks Lancia’s return to the World Rally Championship and the competitive debut of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale in WRC2. This result is more than a sporting achievement: it confirms the strength of a project built with determination, technical rigor and a clear vision. Monte-Carlo is one of the most demanding rallies of the season, and while not everything went according to plan, the team demonstrated strong ambition, solid car performance and a clear direction for the future”.

Yohan Rossel, Official WRC2 Driver – Team Lancia Corse HF
“It wasn’t the easiest rally for me and the team — we definitely didn’t expect that before the start. We expected to be fast, and I think we proved that. But if you want to win Monte Carlo, you simply cannot make mistakes over the whole rally. Unfortunately, we made one in SS1, and my rally was basically over from that moment. With these conditions, it was extremely difficult to come back.

With this car, I’m convinced we can fight in the next rallies. We expected it to be fast, and that has been confirmed. This weekend, the problem wasn’t the car.”

Nikolay Gryazin, Official WRC2 Driver – Team Lancia Corse HF
This Monte Carlo was a great experience — I’ve never driven like this before. It’s a strong debut for Lancia, even if we made a mistake yesterday while fighting for the victory. We had to push a bit more to try to catch Leo Rossel.

The car is doing exactly what I want; now I just need to do better. This Monte Carlo is the most difficult one I’ve ever done because of the challenging conditions.”

Didier Clément, Team Principal Lancia Corse HF
“It was a historic weekend for Lancia in the World Rally Championship. On one of the most demanding and challenging rallies of the season, marked by numerous off‑road incidents, our drivers made only a few minor mistakes.

This event especially highlighted the performance of the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, which secured a large number of fastest times in WRC2. We will also remember the outstanding performance of Yohan Rossel on Sunday, setting the fastest time on every stage of the day and winning Super Sunday, all categories combined.

A huge thank you to the entire team: Lancia’s colours truly shone this weekend. This result confirms that we are on the right path and suggests a very promising future. It is an extremely encouraging start for the journey ahead.”


Source: Lancia