WRC, Sportrik Media - Tuukka Kauppinen will continue his collaboration with Lancia in 2026 by stepping up to the Rally2 category, contesting the European Rally Championship (ERC) with the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.
The 19-year-old Finnish prospect previously competed in a front-wheel-drive Lancia Rally4 in the ERC junior class and selected Italian national events last season. For 2026, Kauppinen moves into the ERC’s top category, driving a Rally2 car developed by Hungary’s Tagai Racing Technology under the management of Rautio Motorsport.
“I’m looking forward to the ERC season and it’s great to continue the collaboration with Lancia. The goal is to show our capability and build a progressively stronger season,” Kauppinen said.
The 2026 ERC calendar features seven rounds, five on asphalt and two on gravel, beginning with Rally Sierra Morena in Spain in April. Kauppinen acknowledged that the asphalt-heavy schedule presents both a challenge and an opportunity for development, particularly for a Finnish driver traditionally more accustomed to gravel conditions.
“The calendar is quite focused on asphalt, and we still need to learn more on that surface. This year we will invest fully in improving there. On gravel, I believe we are already at the top level,” he explained.
Kauppinen, who secured silver in the SM1 class of the Finnish Rally Championship last season, will compete on Michelin tyres. He emphasised the importance of tyre consistency as he transitions to the more powerful Rally2 machinery.
“I have used Michelin tyres for most of my career and have been very satisfied with their performance. This year Michelin is significantly involved in our ERC programme, and I’m confident we can achieve strong results together, especially on gravel.”
For the 2026 campaign, Kauppinen will be partnered by co-driver Topi Luhtinen. In addition to support from Rautio Motorsport and Tagai Racing Technology, the programme receives backing from Lancia’s parent company, Stellantis.
Rautio Motorsport team principal Markku Rautio highlighted that the focus is on broadening Kauppinen’s skill set across varied and traditionally challenging conditions for Finnish drivers.
“Our objective is to develop Tuukka into a complete rally driver who is not afraid of any conditions. It’s encouraging that TRT, Michelin and Stellantis see the same potential in Tuukka and are supporting this ERC programme,” Rautio stated.
The move to Rally2 with Lancia represents a significant step in Kauppinen’s career trajectory toward higher professional levels. With an asphalt-heavy calendar demanding rapid adaptation, the 2026 ERC season will serve as a key benchmark in his technical and competitive development.
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