Lancia is roaring back onto the rally scene, reigniting the passion of one of the most celebrated brands in motorsport history. At Stellantis’ Proving Ground in Balocco, Italy, motorsport journalists and enthusiasts gathered to witness the first steps of this remarkable revival. The star of the show? The Lancia Ypsilon Rally4 HF—a machine that bridges past glory with future ambition, driven by Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares himself in a high-octane display.
A new beginning rooted in history
Lancia’s reentry into rally competition signals the beginning of an exciting new era for the brand. Speaking at the launch, Lancia CEO Luca Napolitano declared, “2025 will mark the return of Lancia to motorsport as we aim to reestablish our presence in contemporary motorsport competitions. With a mix of tradition and innovation, Lancia looks to the future with passion and ambition.”
The beloved “HF” name will return with the Ypsilon Rally4 HF, followed by new versions of the Gamma and Delta with the iconic “HF Integrale” label. Lancia, with its 15 World Rally Championship titles, remains the most successful brand in rally history. Napolitano highlighted this heritage, stating, “Whenever the HF gets mentioned, one can’t help but recall the legendary Stratos, 037, and Delta, which dominated rally racing for 20 years. We have always been leaders in motorsport and rally, but now we are making a comeback to Rally4, the developmental category for tomorrow’s professional drivers, as we look to improve upon our past with passion and pride.”
The Ypsilon Rally4 HF: Innovation meets heritage
The Ypsilon Rally4 HF is more than just a race car—it’s a love letter to Lancia’s legacy, inspired by the 1960s Fulvia Coupé HF. Powered by a three-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged engine producing 212 horsepower, the Rally4 HF offers front-wheel drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential, making it a competitive force for young drivers aspiring to climb the motorsport ladder.
Eugenio Franzetti, now heading Lancia Corse HF, explained, “The Ypsilon Rally4 HF is an homage to the history of Lancia in rally. Compact, fast, and incredibly enjoyable to drive, it has been designed to provide thrills and excitement, just like the legendary 60s’ Fulvia Coupé HF. After all, the vehicle was created for those who want to feel our legacy of courage, innovation, and victory when they get behind the wheel.”
Orders for the Ypsilon Rally4 HF are now open via the Stellantis Motorsport Racing Shop at €74,500. The car will debut in the 2025 Italian Rally Championship, with Lancia launching the “Trofeo Lancia Rally,” a six-race series offering prize money of €300,000. The winner will earn a coveted spot in the 2026 European Rally Championship, driving the official Ypsilon Rally4 HF for Lancia Corse.
Trofeo Lancia Rally: Building tomorrow’s champions
The new Trofeo Lancia Rally aims to nurture future talent while staying true to the brand’s motorsport ethos. With three age brackets—Junior (up to 25), Master (25-35), and Expert (over 35)—the competition offers an accessible yet competitive platform. Registration costs €2,500 per crew and includes technical support, hospitality, and exposure to Lancia’s extensive media coverage.
Franzetti’s leadership promises a seamless blend of professionalism and excitement. “We are in the final fine-tuning stages, with homologation expected for January 1, 2025,” he shared, hinting at the meticulous preparation behind this revival.
Miki Biasion: Lancia’s champion returns
Lancia has also enlisted rally legend Miki Biasion to assist in the development of the Ypsilon HF and Ypsilon Rally4 HF. Biasion, who secured back-to-back World Championships with Lancia in 1988 and 1989, is a symbol of the brand’s winning spirit. Reflecting on his involvement, Biasion remarked, “If you dreamt of track as a child, you dreamt of the red of a Ferrari. However, if you dreamt of becoming a rally driver, then you dreamt of Lancia. I am honored to have worked together with the Lancia and Stellantis Motorsport teams in fine-tuning the Ypsilon HF and Ypsilon Rally4. The Lancia legacy of victories and racing is back, and I am happy to be a part of it.”
Looking ahead: From Rally4 to HF Integrale glory
Lancia’s return to rallying with the Ypsilon Rally4 HF marks not only a new chapter but also a promise to build on its illustrious history. With the HF badge reintroduced across multiple models, and new partnerships with suppliers like Sparco, Marelli, and Ohlins, Lancia is fully prepared to dominate once again.
The upcoming Italian Rally Championship and Trofeo Lancia Rally offer a glimpse into what lies ahead for both the brand and its fans. With Napolitano, Franzetti, and Biasion leading the charge, Lancia is not just back—it’s poised to reclaim its throne in motorsport.
[…] in the heart of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lancia Corse HF Village offered a unique blend of heritage and innovation within a jam-packed program of […]