Lancia has unveiled its driver line-up ahead of its long-awaited return to the World Rally Championship next year.
The Italian brand that won a record 10 WRC manufacturers’ titles named Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin as its drivers for its comeback, which will see the automaker contest the second tier WRC2 championship.
Rossel and Gryazin will pilot Lancia’s all-new Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2 car, prepared by PH Sport, which will spearhead Stellantis Motorsport’s WRC programme, taking over from the Citroen C3 Rally2 car.
Lancia has already set itself the lofty goal of challenging the likes of Skoda, Toyota and Ford for victories, with management stating the wish is “to have one if its drivers clinch the WRC2 title” in its first season with the Ypsilon.
Its driver line-up backs up this ambition, with Rossel and Gryazin seasoned title contenders in WRC2. Rossel finished runner-up in the title race to Oliver Solberg this year and has finished inside the top four in each of his previous four campaigns in the second tier, and has eight WRC2 wins under his belt, driving a C3 Rally2.
Yohan Rossel will move from Citroen to Lancia in 2026
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
“Discovering Lancia’s pedigree and listening to Miki Biasion [WRC champion driving for Lancia in 1988 and 1989], who compares Lancia to Ferrari, you immediately understand it is a brand that commands respect,” said Rossel.
“I am therefore very proud to join Lancia with the same motivation I had at the start of my career. This new chapter will give real momentum to my career: a new manufacturer, great ambitions, and the desire to go even further with the project… to win.”
Likewise, Gryazin has proven his capabilities in WRC2 finishing third in the championship for the past two seasons. The 28-year-old claimed three wins driving a Citroen C3 in 2024 before switching back to Skoda machinery this season.
“Lancia has an iconic history in rallying, and it is a tremendous honour for me to be part of this story. With the team, we share the same ambitions: to fight at the front, to keep improving every day, and to bring this legendary name back to its rightful place,” said Gryazin.
“I am highly motivated for the work ahead, from the very first test to the final stage of the season. I want to thank Team Lancia Corse HF for their trust, as well as my partners and fans for their continued support.”
Lancia has already confirmed plans to contest a minimum of eight WRC events in 2026, with its programme beginning at next month’s season opener in Monte Carlo.
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– The Autosport.com Team
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