Lancia returns to the rally scene with a Rally4 car – In the medium term, an entry into the Rally2 class or even the top class is not out of the question
Lancia returns to the rally scene with the Ypsilon Rally4. Starting next year, there will be a new one-make cup called the “Lancia Rally Trophy” as part of the Italian Championship. The winner will then compete in the 2026 European Championship with a factory-supported team.
Lancia won the constructors’ championship in the World Rally Championship ten times (1974 – 1976, 1983, 1987 – 1992). The announcement that the brand is building a rally car again has caused a lot of excitement in the scene.
A comeback in the WRC in the medium term is not completely out of the question either. New technical regulations are planned for 2027. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is expected to publish the exact details in December.
“We need to know the rules, we need to know what Rally2 and Rally1 will look like in the future,”
“Once we understand that in the next few months, we can also understand how much it costs. Once we know the rules, we can set up a business plan. When that is in place, we can weigh up the costs, the value of visibility and the income.”
“We do motorsport when there is a return on investment. On the one hand, there are technical and logistical costs, and on the other hand, the value of brand visibility is of great importance. This brings sponsors, partners and so on. All of this must be clearly positive.”
A comeback in the top rally classes is therefore not out of the question. But the focus is on the Rally4 project for now. There is a good reason why Lancia deliberately chose this entry-level class.
“Today, only Rally4 has stable regulations,” says Franzetti. “We know how this car is built and how much it costs. That’s why Lancia is returning with a Rally4. It is an extraordinary product that is interesting for racing and from a commercial point of view.”
Lower costs than at present and the introduction of a budget ceiling in the WRC could be important factors for Lancia in considering a comeback. Franzetti also likes the Rally2 class. The Stellantis Group, to which Lancia belongs, is represented there with the Citroen C3 Rally2.
“Let’s try to create championships that cost less and have a cost ceiling. If you operate in this area, you can do whatever you want. You need a championship with a defined budget in the millions.”
“In this area, engineers can pursue their ideas,” says Franzetti. ”Motorsport is also a form of promotion; it is used as a showcase. Today, everything is moving towards hybrid and electrification. Everyone wants to show what they can do. An upper cost limit would be enough.”
“Rally2 is also a very interesting car because it is fast and you can win [national] championships and the European championship. Since there are so few Rally1 cars today, you can also make it into the top 10 [in the WRC] with a Rally2.”
“It’s even possible to get close to the top five. Then you get a lot of visibility. It’s a commercial product, too. You can sell the car, and the costs per kilometer are acceptable. Rally2 is an extremely clever specification,” says Franzetti.
This is because Rally2 cars can be sold and used by privateers. On the one hand in national rallies, but also in the European and World Championships. Since 2015, for example, Skoda has sold around 600 Fabia in Rally2 specification.