GRYAZIN TAKES WRC2 CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD WITH VICTORY IN JAPAN AS LANCIA CLAIMS THIRD WIN OF 2026

Ten stage wins and a dramatic final-day charge deliver Rally Japan success for Nikolay Gryazin and Lancia Corse HF

Nikolay Gryazin and co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov secured their first FIA World Rally Championship WRC2 victory of the 2026 season at Rally Japan, delivering a significant result for Lancia Corse HF and moving to the top of the championship standings.

Competing in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, Gryazin emerged victorious after an intense weekend-long battle with Spanish rival Alejandro Cachón. The result marks the third WRC2 win of the season for Lancia's returning factory rally programme and strengthens the manufacturer's position at the head of the teams' championship.

After opening the rally cautiously, Gryazin steadily increased his pace across Japan's narrow and technically demanding asphalt stages. The Bulgarian driver claimed ten fastest stage times during the event, demonstrating both speed and consistency as conditions evolved throughout the weekend.

One of the defining moments came on SS7 Obara 1. Despite suffering a puncture and making contact during the 16.44-kilometre stage, Gryazin still managed to set the fastest time, keeping himself firmly in contention for victory.

The fight for the top step of the podium remained undecided until the closing stages. Heading into the final Lake Mikawako Power Stage, Gryazin held a slim lead of only 2.8 seconds over Cachón. However, the contest was effectively settled when the Spaniard spun on the rally-ending test, allowing Gryazin and Aleksandrov to secure victory by 15.5 seconds.

The win elevates Gryazin to the top of the WRC2 Drivers' Championship on 56 points. Team-mate Yohan Rossel sits four points behind and is tied with brother Léo Rossel and Finland's Roope Korhonen in a closely contested title fight. Aleksandrov also moves into the lead of the co-drivers' standings.

For Lancia Corse HF, the result represents another milestone in the brand's return to top-level rallying. The Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale has now recorded three WRC2 victories this season across varying rally conditions, highlighting the car's growing competitiveness on the world stage.

Attention now turns to the next round of the championship, the legendary Acropolis Rally Greece, where crews will face one of the toughest gravel events on the FIA World Rally Championship calendar.

GRYAZIN REFLECTS ON BREAKTHROUGH VICTORY

"It's difficult to put this feeling into words. Rally Japan is always one of the most demanding events on the calendar. The roads are incredibly technical, the grip changes all the time, and one small mistake can cost everything."

"We had an amazing fight with Alejandro Cachón throughout the weekend. We were pushing from the first stage until the very end, and that battle made this victory even more special."

"I'm extremely proud of the whole team. The car was fantastic from the first kilometre. Every time I needed confidence, the Lancia gave it to me. We made some small adjustments during the event, and the team reacted perfectly."

"Winning with Lancia means a lot. This brand has such a legendary history in rallying, and being part of its return is something very special."

"This is an important victory, but the season is still long. We remain focused and want to keep pushing."

KEY POINTS

• Nikolay Gryazin and Konstantin Aleksandrov won WRC2 at Rally Japan.

• Gryazin secured his first victory of the 2026 season.

• The Lancia driver claimed ten stage wins during the event.

• Victory was secured by 15.5 seconds after a dramatic final-stage battle with Alejandro Cachón.

• Gryazin moves into the lead of the WRC2 Drivers' Championship on 56 points.

• Konstantin Aleksandrov now leads the WRC2 co-drivers' standings.

• Lancia Corse HF remains at the top of the WRC2 Teams' Championship.

• The result marks the third WRC2 victory of the season for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale.

• The FIA World Rally Championship now heads to Acropolis Rally Greece.