WRC2 news & rumors 2026

[Tom206wrc]

Confirmed Lancia to Portugal also.

Sports&You and José Pedro Fontès I guess

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lancia launches its Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale

Described by Lancia as “an entirely new car that benefits from the experience gained over multiple racing seasons”, the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale has been “developed through an intense programme of testing and validation on both sides of the Alpine mountain roads and at the Balocco proving ground [in Italy]”, according to the Stellantis-owned marque.

The Lancia communication continued: “The new Rally2 HF Integrale blends engineering precision with Lancia identity, aiming to position itself among the top contenders in the category. Each car has been engineered in collaboration with the same teams involved in the Group’s WRC2, ERC, endurance and customer racing programmes, ensuring technical coherence and cross-programme robustness rarely seen in the current motorsport landscape”.
Lancia has confirmed the all-new Rally2 contender will be delivered to factory-supported and customer teams in the first quarter of 2026.

The car is also expected to contest the national championships in Belgium, France, Italy and Spain, plus the FIA World Rally Championship’s WRC2 category.

“The upcoming season will also see the presentation of new drivers, technical updates and a development roadmap designed to consolidate Lancia’s presence across international and national rally stages, confirming its role as a reference point for innovation, performance, and passion”, Lancia stated.

Cars will be delivered through the Stellantis Motorsport Racing Shop, “in full compliance with the FIA cost-cap policy for Rally2 cars”.

“The commercial programme aims to expand Stellantis’ market share in customer racing and to consolidate Lancia’s position as a benchmark brand for performance, build quality and design in the modern rally scene,” according to Lancia. “With the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, Lancia reaffirms its pioneering role: to compete with passion, innovate with method, and inspire a new generation of drivers”.

Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale’s seven key areas of development
Lancia has highlighted seven areas where the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale can make the difference:
1: Weight and balance, with significant mass reduction and a lower centre of gravity
2: Advanced aerodynamics, improving downforce and stability at high speed
3: Engine performance and drivability, featuring a turbo management system derived from the Peugeot 9X8 architecture and a new anti-lag system (ALS)
4: Transmission with revised gear ratios and differentials optimised for all surfaces.
5: Chassis and suspension fine-tuned to deliver class-leading performance on both Tarmac and gravel
6: Driver environment, redesigned for maximum ergonomics, comfort and concentration
7: Bodyshell and roll cage, entirely new to ensure superior rigidity and full FIA safety compliance.

From FIAERC.com

[Andre Oliveira]

Sports&You and José Pedro Fontès I guess

Yes. Program in Spain and WRC2 should be certain also.

[Sal yet again]

Already talk on Canary Islands rally websites that Sports&You Canarias looking to run Yeray Lemes in a Lancia as he has been driving a C3 for the last couple of seasons.

[Sulland]

Which test/development drivers have they used i the process?
Both gravel and asphalt specialists or just one of them?

[deephouse]

Biaison, L.Rosel, Bonato

[wyler]

Biaison, L.Rosel, Bonato

crugnola too

[Negaiss]

They are trying to rebuilding the brand and that's the excellent way to do it. Also want to sell the car on various market. More brands should follow them. Just glad that they didn't go into some sort of Dakar, WEC like all does and they choose rallying to promote their brand.

Now I'm waiting Skoda, Subaru or maybe one who try to enter several times Proton.

Dacia is also builing brand heavily - Entering Dakar, producing good quality road cars for acceptable prices. some new models. And there was a rendering of Dacia WRC some time ago on internet. So I would also say, that chance to see Dacia in WRC in 2027 ir greater than 0%.

[Tom206wrc]

Yes. Program in Spain and WRC2 should be certain also.

That would make sense with the Jan Solans rumour(from Revistascratch)