lancia

The Italian manufacturer began its rally career in the mid-1960s, winning its first world title with the Fulvia Coupé HF in 1972, thereby laying the foundations of its dominance in the discipline. This first manufacturers' world championship was the starting point for a dominance that would extend for several decades, demonstrating the technical solidity and talent of Lancia's development teams. With the arrival of the Lancia Stratos in 1974, the Italian brand reached even greater heights of excellence. This revolutionary model won three consecutive manufacturers' championships between 1974 and 1976, establishing itself as one of the most dominant vehicles ever seen in rally history. In 1983, the Lancia 037 conquered the manufacturers' world championship, becoming the last rear-wheel-drive car to achieve this feat in the world championship. This milestone proved especially memorable because the 037 competed against technically more advanced vehicles such as the Audi Quattro with four-wheel drive, demonstrating that engineering and talent could overcome the limitations of a configuration considered obsolete. The period of maximum splendor came with the introduction of the Lancia Delta, which would revolutionize world rallying. Between 1987 and 1992, the Delta HF Integrale won six consecutive manufacturers' world championship titles, a record that has still not been surpassed by any other manufacturer in the modern era of rallying. In total, Lancia won eleven manufacturers' world championships in rallying, making it the most decorated brand in this discipline. After retiring in late 1993, Lancia remained absent from world rallying for three decades. However, the Italian manufacturer has announced its return to rallying with the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, which will compete in the WRC2 category of the FIA World Rally Championship in 2026, starting with the Montecarlo Rally. This return represents a significant milestone in rally history, bringing back one of motorsport's legends.