Lancia is returning to the World Rally Championship and is relying on two experienced title contenders in WRC2: its goals are correspondingly ambitious.
Lancia has announced its driver lineup for its comeback in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Italian manufacturer is returning to the WRC next season and will compete in the WRC2 competition.
For the project, Lancia is relying on Yohan Rossel and Nikolai Gryasin. Both have been established names in the WRC2 field for several years and are set to underpin the brand’s sporting ambitions with the new Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2. The vehicle will be used by PH Sport and will spearhead the motorsport program of parent company Stellantis in the future. The Ypsilon replaces the Citroen C3 Rally2 previously used.
Lancia, record holder in the World Rally Championship with ten manufacturers’ titles, is already setting high goals for its entry.
The management has made it clear that it believes it will be in a position to compete for victories against established manufacturers such as Skoda, Toyota, and Ford right from the start. Internally, the goal is even to win the WRC2 title in the Ypsilon’s first season.
Two top WRC drivers in the cockpit
The choice of drivers is in line with these ambitions. Rossel finished the past season as runner-up in WRC2 behind Oliver Solberg and has finished in the top four overall in each of the past four years. The Frenchman has a total of eight WRC2 victories to his name, all of which he achieved in a Citroën.
“When you discover the history of Lancia and listen to Miki Biasion comparing Lancia to Ferrari, you immediately understand that this is a brand that commands great respect,” said Rossel. “This new chapter gives my career new momentum. A new manufacturer, big ambitions and a clear desire to go even further and win.”
Gryasin also brings a wealth of experience and success to the table. The 28-year-old finished third in the overall WRC2 standings in each of the past two years. In the 2024 season, he celebrated three victories with the Citroen C3 Rally2 before switching back to Skoda cars this year.
Entry into the Monte Carlo Rally
“Lancia has an iconic history in rallying, and it is a great honor to be part of that history,” said Gryasin. “We share the same goals within the team. We want to fight at the top, improve every day, and bring this legendary name back to where it belongs.”
“I am extremely motivated for the work ahead, from the first test to the last special stage of the season. I would like to thank Lancia Corse HF for their trust and my partners and fans for their continued support,” said the driver, who competes with a Bulgarian license.
Lancia currently plans to compete in at least eight World Championship races in the 2026 season. The team will make its debut at the season opener next month at the Rallye Monte-Carlo (January 22 to 25).