Lancia Returns to WRC2 as Rossel Feels Monte Carlo Euphoria

Lancia has officially returned to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2026 by entering the WRC2 category with the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, driven by Frenchman Yohan Rossel and Bulgaria-licensed driver Nikolai Grjazin.

The significance of Lancia’s comeback was immediately felt on Wednesday when Rossel completed his first official kilometres in the new Rally2 car during the shakedown of the Rally Monte Carlo. Large crowds gathered to witness the historic marque’s return to top-level FIA competition, underlining the enduring emotional connection between Lancia and rally fans worldwide.

“It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm from the spectators. I honestly didn’t expect this level of excitement, even before Lancia’s return was officially announced,” Rossel said.

Despite the strong emotional backdrop, Rossel was quick to underline that competitive focus remains paramount. While the public response has been energising, he stressed that the primary objective is to deliver performance on the stages across one of the most demanding events on the WRC calendar.

“Of course, we are here to drive, and we must not forget that. But the excitement around this project is truly remarkable,” he added.

From a technical standpoint, Rossel reported an immediately positive first impression of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. During the shakedown, the car reached competitive speeds quickly and displayed a stable, predictable balance—an encouraging sign ahead of a rally renowned for its extreme variability.

“There were no surprises. The car feels comfortable to drive. Shakedown conditions are, of course, very different from what we will face during the rest of the weekend, but the initial feeling is good,” Rossel explained.

Nevertheless, he cautioned that the true challenge of Monte Carlo is yet to come. With weather and surface conditions traditionally fluctuating between dry asphalt, damp sections, ice, and snow, strategic tyre selection will be a decisive factor—particularly in the closely contested WRC2 field.

“We really need to be smart with tyre choices. Conditions can change very quickly here,” he noted.

Rossel also expressed confidence in the overall readiness of the project, highlighting the depth of experience within the Stellantis group, which supports Lancia’s return to rallying. According to Rossel, this technical heritage provides valuable reference points for tackling Monte Carlo’s unique demands.

“The car is ready. We have a lot of experience from Monte Carlo, especially within the Stellantis group. We know this rally will be extremely challenging from a driver’s perspective, but from a technical point of view, the car is prepared,” Rossel stated.

Lancia’s re-entry into WRC2 represents more than a symbolic return of a legendary name. It is a direct test of the brand’s modern technical direction against established Rally2 competitors. The performances of Rossel and Grjazin at Monte Carlo will offer the first concrete indication of how competitive the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale can be, while also shaping Lancia’s early position in the 2026 WRC2 championship landscape.