Lancia is one of the most iconic names in rallying history and the Italian brand is reportedly considering a return to the top level of the sport.
Recently the brand announced the revival of its famous HF performance division, revealing a new logo with the trademark elephant. The reveal was, appropriately enough, at the European premiere of the new film, Race for Glory, which focuses on the battle between Lancia and Audi in the 1983 World Rally Championship.
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Lancia brand CEO, Luca Napolitano, also confirmed that the recently revealed new-generation Ypsilon small car will be the first recipient of the HF treatment. An all-electric 180kW powertrain as well as lowered suspension and a wider track will make the Ypsilon HF special.
And then Napolitano dropped the bombshell: “Will we return to the Rally? We are working on it.”
Lancia has one of the most illustrious histories in rallying, winning 10 manufacturers’ championship, five drivers’ titles and taking 73 event wins. To achieve this it built some of the most memorable cars the sport has ever seen, including the Stratos, 037 and Delta Integrale.
The WRC recently announced new Rally1 regulations for 2026 and beyond, with a particular focus on cutting costs in an attempt to attract more brands to join Toyota, Hyundai and Ford. This includes allowing customer-spec Rally2 vehicles to be converted to outright competition, which would seemingly make a better business case for newcomers.
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Stellantis, Lancia’s parent company, is actively involved in using racing to promote its brands, with Peugeot in the World Endurance Championship, Maserati and DS Automobiles in Formula E and Opel and Peugeot in Rally4. Which leaves Lancia space to make its impact on the WRC as it looks to rebuild its image.
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