Lancia’s Rally Return Explained: A Focus on Cost-Effective Motorsport Visibility
In a move that has sparked excitement among car racing enthusiasts, Lancia’s sporting director Eugenio Franzetti has shed light on the brand’s decision to make its rally return in the Rally4 category. This announcement comes as Lancia, the legendary 10-time WRC constructors’ champion, prepares to unveil its all-new Ypsilon Rally4 car, set to compete in the Italian Rally Championship and the newly created Lancia Rally Trophy.
Factors Behind Lancia’s Decision
Speaking to Autosport’s Italian edition, Franzetti explained that the stability and clarity of the Rally4 regulations were key factors in Lancia’s decision to reenter the rallying scene at the lower end of the pyramid. The brand is closely observing the evolving WRC technical regulations for 2027, and a potential return to the top-tier championship will depend on the feasibility of a viable business plan.
“Once the business plan has been created, we can put the costs on one side of the scale, and the value of visibility and the revenue on the other side, and understand if this scale is a scale that is positive,” Franzetti said.
The focus on cost-effectiveness and a potential cost cap in the WRC could be crucial factors in Lancia’s future considerations.
Attractiveness of the Rally2 Class
Franzetti also expressed admiration for the Rally2 class, which offers an attractive option for manufacturers seeking near-WRC level performance and visibility at a more manageable cost. The Stellantis Group, Lancia’s parent company, is already involved in the Citroën C3 Rally2 programme, further highlighting the appeal of this category.
The Shift Towards Electrified Motorsport
As the car industry continues its shift towards hybrid, electric, and electrified technologies, Franzetti emphasized the importance of showcasing these advancements through motorsport. However, he believes a cost cap would be a crucial factor in allowing manufacturers to compete on a level playing field and unleash their engineering prowess.
Lancia’s return to rallying, starting with the Rally4 category, marks a significant milestone for the brand, which is looking to recapture its glory days while navigating the evolving landscape of motorsport. With a keen eye on cost-effectiveness and a potential future in the WRC, Lancia’s comeback is set to be closely watched by car racing enthusiasts across the globe.
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