Excitement building as Lancia showcases new rally car

Speculation surrounding Lancia’s future in rallying has been ramping up ever since it announced a return to the sport last year, with its two-wheel drive Rally4 version of its Ypsilon hatchback that has been competing in the European Rally Championship this season.

However, speculation reached fever pitch last week after images and videos emerged on social media of a brand new Lancia rally car undergoing a test and development programme.

Lancia remained quiet on the footage leaked online until this week. The Italian marque issued a brief statement confirming it is developing a new rally car, known as the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. The statement was released alongside a teaser video and a range of official images of the car from its recent test in France.

“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," read a statement from the Italian brand.

In rallying community this is huge news given Lancia’s renowned history, having previously won a record 10 World Rally Championship constructors' titles (1974-1976, 1983, 1987-1992). Lancia last competed in the WRC as a factory team in 1992.

At the moment it is unclear when the car could make its debut, although 2026 is a realistic possibility. If the car, built to Rally2 specification, is homologated in time for next year it could only compete in the second tier WRC2 class of the WRC.

Interestingly, it is conceivable Lancia could make its return to the top class of the WRC in 2027 when new technical regulations are introduced. The new ruleset would allow the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale and any other Rally2 machinery to compete in the top tier of the championship.

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