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Lancia's return to rallying is far more than just another motorsport project. The Turin-based brand aims to revive the deep connection with the discipline that built its legendary reputation, opening an ambitious new chapter in its history with a long-term programme.
The 2026 season proved to be a pivotal milestone for the project. The international debut of the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale gave Lancia Corse the platform to go head-to-head with proven, seasoned competitors. The results were nothing short of impressive, with Lancia clinching the WRC2 Teams' Championship in the car's very first year of competition.
However, attention has already shifted squarely to 2027. Over the coming months, management must make crucial decisions regarding technical development, the rally calendar, and above all, the driver line-up. Among the names being linked, newly crowned European Champion Teemu Suninen stands out. Developments in the driver market could prove decisive for the Italian manufacturer's future ambitions.
Martello remains tight-lipped regarding the drivers who will fly the flag for Lancia in the upcoming campaign.
"We are immensely proud to have won the WRC2 Teams' title with a brand-new car in our debut season. This brings immense joy to both Lancia and Lancia Corse. Winning is in our DNA, making this a very positive campaign from which we learned a great deal. Our ultimate goal, of course, is to fight for the Drivers' Championship as well," said Luca Martello, Head of Lancia Corse.
He added that the Lancia Corse team gained valuable experience working alongside drivers and squads across the World and European Rally Championships, as well as various domestic series, though the complete sporting programme for next season is yet to be fully finalised.
"We are continuing to shape our 2027 programme both on the international stage and in national championships. Final confirmation of the technical regulations will help us make decisions a bit earlier. We remain open to every possibility. Lancia's commitment to rallying is rock solid, and we are ready to seize every opportunity that comes our way," Martello concluded.
In 2026, Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin spearheaded Lancia's WRC2 campaign, while Andrea Mabellini led the charge in the European Rally Championship, and Andrea Crugnola represented the brand in Italy.
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