Lancia confirms its return to the WRC2 World Championship and could soon be playing for victory

September 10, 2025 will remain a key date for all rally enthusiasts and fans of the brand with the elephant in its coat-of-arms: Lancia has officially confirmed its return to world competition with the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

"We promised, we delivered. We're going to do the World WRC2," declared Lancia's CEO yesterday in Turin. A clear, almost solemn message, which sounds like a promise to the fans: Lancia's return is no longer a rumour, but a reality.

From rumor to official confirmation

Until a few days ago, all this was just rumour. As early as September 2025, we were already talking about a possible Lancia Rally2, especially after the appearance of heavily camouflaged prototypes. Next day, the first images of a Ypsilon HF Integrale on test set the ball rolling: provisional red, white and black livery, HF logo, and an aggressive look. Since then, the pace has quickened. And yesterday, the official press release was released: the "new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale" was born.

A legacy brought back to life

Lancia is not returning to rallying to make up the numbers. The Italian brand still holds the absolute record for manufacturers' titles in the World Rally Championship (10 between 1974 and 1992). As such, its return to WRC2 is highly symbolic.

The nod to fans is everywhere. The car's doorpost proudly displays the "trophy case" recalling its past exploits. The name "Integrale" was not chosen by chance either: it embodies all the manufacturer's legend in the discipline.

What we know about the car

While the full technical specifications have yet to be published, the broad outlines are known:

• Rally2 FIA base: four-wheel drive, minimum weight 1,230 kg.
• Engine: four-cylinder turbocharged engine under 1,620 cm³.
• Architecture: largely inspired by the Citroën C3 Rally2, with which it will share part of its powertrain.
• Aerodynamics: special bumper with large air intake, wider track, massive wheel arches, roof air intake and large rear spoiler.

One detail is already intriguing: the car seems to have a wider track than the C3, a sign of specific development work to give this Lancia its own personality.

A major asset: Citroën's experience

What's immediately reassuring is that Lancia isn't starting from scratch. Its Ypsilon Rally2 is based on the technical foundation of the Citroën C3 Rally2, a car that has already proved its competitiveness. In recent years, the C3 has proved its worth in WRC2:

• 3rd in 2023, 30 points behind the leader (Skoda).
• 3rd in 2024, just 10 points behind the leader (Toyota).
• Currently 2nd in 2025, 11 points behind the Toyota Yaris Rally2.

With such a track record, needless to say, the mechanics are already "field-proven". If Stellantis has chosen to launch the Lancia Ypsilon HF Integrale alongside the Citroën C3 Rally2 with this news, it's not to play the underdog. Lancia is back with the clear intention of fighting for the top spots.

Faced with the current benchmarks (Skoda Fabia, Toyota Yaris and Ford Fiesta Rally2), Lancia could well have a psychological advantage: the weight of its name and its history. Each special stage will remind competitors that the legend is back.

And for fans, seeing the HF Integrale back on world championship roads will be a victory in itself. But if the car is as competitive as advertised, Lancia could go for victory on its debut.

What next?

WRC2 is just a starting point. Rumours already point to a Rally1 project for 2027, in line with future FIA regulations. If confirmed, the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale would then be just the first step in Lancia's complete return to the pinnacle of world rallying.