When many of us envision the moniker “Lancia,” we recall Ferrari-powered Italian wedges and hatches with angular flares, dominating the field on various terrains. However, Lancia has not epitomized that ethos in a considerable span of time—specifically, over three decades. Recently, during a press gathering, the brand’s CEO hinted at a potential return to the rally scene, but a newly issued statement from the company, as conveyed by DirtFish, sheds light on the gravity of Lancia’s intent to reenter the arena and outlines their stipulations.
“We are actively pursuing the reintroduction of Lancia to rallying, recognizing its substantial marketing potential,” the automaker stated on Wednesday. “This translates to our reentry into rallying contingent upon meeting our expected return on investment.”
The condition—”only if the return on investment meets our expectations”—was omitted by brand head Luca Napolitano when he disclosed that Lancia is “engaged in” a potential rally comeback, coinciding with the announcement that the HF label would resurface on high-performance models. The Italian marque unveiled the fourth-generation Ypsilon compact approximately two months ago, with a Delta EV rumored to come next.
Now that’s what I call “High Fidelity.” National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images
The fact that Lancia is evaluating its return on investment suggests that the plan may still be in its early stages. However, a significant challenge for the company’s motorsport aspirations is the World Rally Championship’s uncertainty in transitioning to electric power, especially since, until recently, Lancia was set on exclusively offering electric vehicles by 2026.
Presently, that timeline seems untenable as the new Ypsilon, akin to the Peugeot 208 based on its platform, will provide hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Should Lancia contemplate an entry in one of the lower categories of the WRC, the Ypsilon could potentially replace the 208 or Opel Corsa in the Rally4 class—two models also under the Stellantis umbrella—or possibly challenge the Citroën C3 in Rally2.
The 2024 Lancia Ypsilon. Stellantis
The situation becomes more convoluted when discussing a potential high-tier Rally1 participation. Despite the expected high costs and Lancia’s probable desire for a gradual resurgence to past glories, the WRC recently declared its intention to abandon hybrid powertrains by 2026, just four years after their introduction. It’s uncommon to witness a major racing series, particularly one of the WRC’s caliber, reverse course on forward-looking technology primarily for cost-saving purposes. While this move may stimulate constructor investment and resonate with longtime fans and drivers, the overarching perception is less favorable, particularly for an automaker championing an unwavering vision of tomorrow.
These are among the challenges that Lancia may encounter in the forthcoming years; nevertheless, the mere inclination from the company’s leadership to confront them is a level of enthusiasm unseen in decades. The Delta’s final competitive season is as old as myself, and the landscape of motorsport has profoundly transformed.
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