The Most Successful Name in Rally Is Finally Gearing Up for the Comeback Enthusiasts Have Craved

Between 11 manufacturers’ titles, five drivers’ titles, 74 course victories and 193 podiums, Lancia stands as the most successful name in rally racing — to this day.

Yet, for most car enthusiasts, the brand’s accomplishments are little more than faded memories or, worse still, the retellings of distant history.

That’s because Lancia last fielded an entrant in international motorsport competition back in the 1990s. In the time since, the Italian automaker has largely fizzled away into irrelevance, reduced to building economical compacts rather than exciting hot hatchbacks or performance cars.

Stellantis

At long last, however, that could be set to change. Following some tentative efforts in the Rally 2 class over the summer, Lancia has announced that it will finally be making the comeback that motorsport fans have been begging for.

A legend returns to WRC

And that would be a return to the World Rally Championship. 

Stellantis

Next January, Lancia will return to the global stage as part of the FIA WRC2 class running its Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. It’s a move that’s packed with significance, as it’s been over 30 years since the automaker last participated in WRC competition.

What’s more, the 2026 season will open with the Monte Carlo Rally, one of the sport’s most legendary courses and an event that Lancia has a history of dominating.

Stellantis

From the Fulvia to the 037 to the Delta Integrale, many of the brand’s most iconic rally cars sealed their reputation for sideways greatness on France’s icy Alpine roads. 

The model that will be spearheading Lancia’s campaign will be the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. While the automaker has yet to share any specs, it should be quite the rocket given that the hottest street-going HF 280HP puts out a solid 280 ponies.

Stellantis

Moreover, as a competition-focused version of the Lancia’s Ypsilon HF, it will take the production car’s performance capabilities to new heights, building upon the Rally4 HF with even more extreme race-ready features.

An ongoing brand revival

Lancia’s re-entry into WRC competition isn’t random. Rather, it’s part of Stellantis’s ongoing effort to pump new life into the once-great Italian brand.

Stellantis

That’s because, even though Lancia was once known for emotive (albeit flawed) vehicles like the Stratos and the Beta — in addition to others mentioned above — in recent years, it’s mostly been focusing on humble commuter offerings for Italian buyers.

Now, however, Stellantis is mounting an offensive to return Lancia to its former glory, intending to elevate the marque as a premium offering for the European market and beyond. It’s set to be quite the about-face.

Stellantis

In addition to a return to WRC competition, this means that Lancia will also begin reviving several historic models like the Delta Integrale and the Gamma.

By capitalizing on the brand’s rally legacy through a re-entry into motorsport — from the domestic level up to the international scene — and a resurrection of its long-adored nameplates, Stellantis isn’t pulling any punches.

Stellantis

After all, if there’s anything that will revitalize the badge, it’s an appeal to enthusiasts. They’re not just capable of, but also (and arguably more importantly) willing to remember Lancia for what it used to be.

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