Earlier this autumn, Lancia confirmed that it is currently developing a Rally2 car and will make its comeback in the WRC in 2026.
Since then, more information about the return has surfaced. Lancia belongs to the same Stellantis group as Citroën, and right now it looks as though Lancia will replace Citroën in the World Rally Championship.
Lancia is set to receive factory backing in the WRC, while Citroën has already confirmed it will continue competing in Formula E.
This season, French brothers Yohan Rossel and Léo Rossel have been seen behind the wheel of Citroën’s Rally2 car. The younger of the two, Léo, has already tested the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 car.
However, Stellantis’ rally boss Didier Clément has previously stated that Citroën’s Rally2 car is not being completely phased out of the WRC. Spare parts and technical support will continue to be available for private teams running Citroën’s Rally2.
Lancia’s return to the WRC was expected to some extent, but the timing came as a surprise – at least to M-Sport Ford’s team principal Richard Millener.
“I did know they were doing something. I was just a little surprised that it happened so quickly,” Millener commented.
“And now they are already advertising its arrival. I don’t know when the car will be officially unveiled, perhaps in January,” Millener estimated.
