Lancia wins its 3rd rally in a row in Japan... ahead of Toyota: «a small mistake can change everything»

Just a few weeks after making its mark in Croatia then in the Canary Islands, Lancia continues its spectacular comeback at the highest level of world rallying. This time, it was in Japan that the Italian brand struck hard. At the end of a particularly hard-fought rally, Nikolay Gryazin and co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov gave the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale another prestigious victory, the third of the season in WRC2.

But unlike Yohan Rossel's relatively controlled success earlier in the year, this Japanese victory was built on tension right up to the final kilometers.

A duel that went down to the last special stage

Rally Japan has never had the reputation of being an easy event. Narrow roads lined with ditches, constant changes in grip, wet sections alternating with more abrasive asphalt: the slightest deviation can cost several places, or even retirement.

Nikolay Gryazin quickly realized this. After a complicated first day, the Bulgarian driver gradually found his rhythm. Special stage after special stage, he began to close the gap on Spain's Alejandro Cachón, his main rival for the weekend. The battle then took on a new dimension. The two men went blow for blow on Japanese roads, keeping up the suspense right up to the penultimate special stage. At that point, only 2.8 seconds separated the two crews.

Not even a mishap slowed Gryazin down. In the Obara 1 special, over 16 kilometers long, he managed to set the fastest time despite contact and a puncture. A demonstration of speed and composure that would prove decisive for the rest of the rally.

Deliverance in the Power Stage

In the end, it all came down to the last special stage, the famous Lake Mikawako Power Stage. With a tiny lead before the start, Gryazin knew he had no room for error. Cachón continued to apply constant pressure, and victory remained totally undecided.

Then came the turning point of the rally. In the final kilometers, the Spaniard spun out, costing him precious seconds. Gryazin immediately took advantage of the situation to extend his lead and cross the finish line 15.5 seconds clear. A victory achieved after several days of maximum intensity.

«Rally Japan is always one of the most demanding events on the calendar,» said Gryazin after the finish. «The roads are incredibly technical, grip is constantly changing and one small mistake can turn everything on its head.»

Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale confirms race after race

Above all, this Japanese success confirms a trend that has been in evidence since the start of the season: the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale is now a benchmark in WRC2. After its performances on Croatian asphalt and the volcanic roads of the Canaries, the Italian car has once again demonstrated its versatility on a totally different terrain.

According to Gryazin, the confidence provided by the car played an essential role throughout the weekend. The Lancia Corse HF team was also able to react quickly to changing conditions, and to make the necessary adjustments between stages. This ability to adapt largely explains the consistency displayed by the Italian manufacturer since its return to competition.

Lancia takes power in WRC2

Beyond the victory, the consequences for the championship are particularly important. Thanks to this success, Nikolay Gryazin now leads the WRC2 drivers' standings with 56 points. He now leads his team-mate Yohan Rossel by just four points, while the battle remains extremely tight with Léo Rossel and Roope Korhonen.

Konstantin Aleksandrov also tops the co-driver rankings, while Lancia Corse HF retains first place in the team championship. Just a few months after its official return to rallying, the Italian brand is no longer content to let its glorious past speak for itself. It has now established itself as the category's current benchmark.

WRC2 2026 - Drivers' standings

1. Nikolay Gryazin (Lancia) - 56 points
2. Yohan Rossel (Lancia) - 52 points
3. Roope Korhonen (Toyota) - 52 points
4. Léo Rossel (Citroën) - 52 points
5. Alejandro Cachón (Toyota) - 46 points
6. Teemu Suninen (Toyota) - 42 points
7. Roberto Daprà (Skoda) - 37 points
8. Éric Camilli (Škoda) - 33 points
9. Andreas Mikkelsen (Škoda) - 27 points
10. Robert Virves (Škoda) - 25 points

Heading for the Acropolis challenge

The next round, however, could reshuffle the cards. After the Japanese asphalt, the championship is set to return to gravel with the legendary Acropolis Rally in Greece. A legendary event, renowned for its high temperatures, brittle tracks and particularly demanding conditions for the mechanics. A totally different challenge for the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

But after three victories in the space of a few months on such varied terrains as Croatia, the Canaries and now Japan, Lancia arrives in Greece with a new status: that of championship leader and the team to beat. Until a few months ago, the Italian brand's comeback was the subject of much curiosity. Now, it inspires respect.