Lancia returns to Monte Carlo Rally with the new one Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. The event, which runs until January 25th and opens the WRC season, marks a historic step and an important stage for a brand linked to competitions far from the asphalt like no other.
Complicated start, but encouraging signs
The debut did not start without obstacles. In the first special stage, Yohan Rossel was forced to retire after a contact on the wheel of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. An episode that ended the first day of the race early, but not uncommon on a circuit like that of the Monte Carlo Rally, famous for being full of pitfalls.
On the contrary, Nikolay Gryazin’s performance was positive, immediately showing the potential of the new car, positioning himself with the seventh time overall which propelled him to the top of the Rally2 classification.
An unforgiving race
It is one of the most challenging tracks on the WRC calendar. This year’s edition of the Monte Carlo Rally is developed in 17 special testsfor a total of 339.15 timed kilometers, which cross the most iconic stretches of the French and Monegasque Alps. Ground conditions change suddenly, between asphalt, snow and ice, making grip management an ever-changing factor.
In this context, for a manufacturer making its official return to the world championship, Monte Carlo represents a very severe test. Not only for pure performance, but also for reliability, adaptability and teamwork between drivers, engineers and mechanics.
The Lancia Corse HF team
The theme of Lancia Corse HF is made up of a pair of drivers with great experience in the Rally2 category. On the one hand Yohan Rossel who is in his seventh participation on the Monte Carlo track and brings with him a great knowledge of the hidden problems. On the other there is Nikolay Gryazinin his sixth presence on this circuit and known for his speed in adapting to every situation and unpredictable variables.
Both come to this event with clear ambitions: to demonstrate that Lancia’s return is not a nostalgic operation, but a concrete and competitive sporting project, designed to grow step by step.
Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale
Having to make its way towards this old and new goal is the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, the icon revisited by Lancia to return to have its say in the world of rallylooking to the future to honor the glorious past. A car with a revised identity, developed through a long process of testing to comply with all regulatory directives FIA Rally 2.
A project that involved various aspects of the car, from weight to aerodynamics, through to the reinforced chassis and the transmission capable of managing the all-wheel drive. A study optimized to tackle long and demanding races, also dedicating all the necessary attention to safety, in compliance with the most recent standards.
The debut in Monte Carlo, with all its difficulties, therefore represents the first real test in extreme conditions. An exam that will serve not only to evaluate immediate performance, but also to collect fundamental data for the development of the car during the season.
