First images of the Lancia HF Integrale that could replace Citroën in rallying as early as 2026

After months of rumours and speculation, the first images of the future Lancia HF Integrale Rally2 have just appeared on the internet. And this time, it's no longer a matter of simple sketches ora camouflaged prototype the car is already on the road.

Captured by the eye of enthusiasts during secret sessions, the beast sports a provisional red, white and black livery with the famous HF Integrale logo, a symbol that has marked rallying history. It's hard not to draw parallels with the golden age of Lanciawhen the brand dominated the world's special stages with the Delta.

A project taking shape

Since July 2024, Lancia has made a series of announcements. The little Ypsilon Rally4 HF, with its 212hp turbocharged three-cylinder engine, marked the brand's return to competition. In 2025, an even more accessible version, the Rally6-approved Ypsilon HF Racing, completed the range for young drivers. But the real thunderbolt was expected elsewhere: the Rally2 category, currently the most hotly contested, with Toyota, Skoda, Ford and Citroën as benchmarks.

A Citroën C3 Rally2 replaced by a Lancia?

According to specialist website TuttoRally.news, the car seen on test over the last few days is indeed the basis on which Stellantis is working for an official debut in 2026. Its clear mission is to take over from the Citroën C3 Rally2, whose homologation expires at the end of 2026. In other words, from 2027, Citroën will give up its place to Lancia within the Stellantis group in this category.

It's a highly symbolic choice: to give the most successful Italian brand in rally history the opportunity to wear the Stellantis colors against the Skoda Fabia Rally2, Toyota Yaris Rally2 and Ford Fiesta Rally2.

According to published information, this Rally2 is just a starting point. At the same time, Lancia and Stellantis are already working on a Rally1 program for 2027, in line with future FIA regulations. Clearly, the HF Integrale seen in testing today could well be the cornerstone of a full Lancia comeback at the highest world level.

The car still has to pass the FIA crash tests, the campaign for which began after the last Rally Finland. If all goes according to plan, the 2026 season could mark Lancia's grand return to the rankings, before a ramp-up the following year.

Are these first images enough to send shivers down the spines of nostalgic fans?