LANCIA'S WRC FUTURE REMAINS UNCERTAIN AS RALLY2 WRC KIT DECISION STALLS

STELLANTIS BRAND HESITATES OVER RALLY2 WRC KIT DUE TO 2027 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Lancia's long-term future in the FIA World Rally Championship remains undecided after the Italian manufacturer indicated it is unlikely to homologate the new Rally2 WRC Kit under the current regulations.

Following the FIA's approval of the 2027 WRC technical regulations, manufacturers were given the option to develop a Rally2 WRC Kit featuring enhanced aerodynamics and reduced weight to narrow the performance gap to the upcoming WRC27 cars.

However, Lancia Corse team principal Didier Clément has revealed the brand's WRC plans are "not fixed", with current championship entry obligations preventing the company from committing to the new package.

The main obstacle is the FIA requirement that any manufacturer homologating the Rally2 WRC Kit must enter at least two cars on every round of the 2027 World Rally Championship during the first homologation season.

Lancia only introduced its Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale this year and is currently evaluating its future rallying programme before making any decision.

The announcement follows similar positions from several other manufacturers. M-Sport has confirmed it will homologate the Rally2 WRC Kit, while Škoda has opted against it due to development timing. Toyota has chosen to focus on its all-new WRC27 car instead, and Hyundai has also indicated the Rally2 WRC Kit is not currently a priority.

For now, Lancia's participation at the highest level of the World Rally Championship beyond its existing Rally2 programme remains uncertain.

Key Points

• Lancia says its future in the World Rally Championship is not yet decided.

• The manufacturer is currently not planning to homologate the Rally2 WRC Kit.

• FIA regulations require manufacturers to enter at least two cars on every 2027 WRC round if they homologate the kit.

• The mandatory full-season commitment is preventing Lancia from starting development.

• Lancia introduced the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale this year.

• M-Sport will build the Rally2 WRC Kit, while Škoda, Toyota and Hyundai have also chosen not to prioritise the package.

Quote

"Lancia's future in the World Rally Championship is not fixed."