SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 03, 2024 – Lancia roared back into the world of rally racing, joining forces with long-time technical partner Sparco, a reunion that ignited excitement among motorsport enthusiasts. This dynamic duo, with a history of shared victories in rally racing's golden era, renewed their collaboration for the 2025 Rally program, introducing the purpose-built Ypsilon Rally4 HF.
Ypsilon Rally4 HF: A Fusion of Power and Technology
The Ypsilon Rally4 HF emerged as a testament to Lancia's rally car legacy, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with exhilarating performance. Built on a CMP MHEV platform, it offered a unique combination of lightweight agility and robust structural rigidity. Enhancing safety, the car featured a welded tubular safety cage, ensuring a high-performance, secure chassis that met the stringent FIA standards.
Under the hood, the Ypsilon Rally4 HF packed a punch with a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, generating an impressive 212 HP. This power was channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission provided by SADEV and a mechanical limited-slip differential, maximizing power and traction. The car's McPherson suspension, equipped with Ohlins 3-way adjustable shock absorbers, allowed drivers to fine-tune the setup for diverse terrains. For asphalt configurations, ventilated 330 mm disc brakes were essential for conquering Italy's demanding rally courses.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Luca Napolitano, CEO of Lancia, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are thrilled to partner with Sparco for this significant return to rally. The passion and expertise that Sparco has shown over the years align perfectly with our vision. With the Ypsilon Rally4 HF, we aim not only to honor our racing heritage but also to propel Lancia into the future with an innovative, sustainable approach.”
Sparco's contribution extended beyond the car itself. They equipped both driver and co-driver with a comprehensive racewear kit, including suits, under-suits, gloves, and shoes, all meticulously designed to meet the highest safety, comfort, and performance standards. Sparco also supplied critical safety and technical components, such as seat belts, steering wheels, pedals, and the advanced Matrix 8855-2021 racing seats. These cutting-edge seats, crafted from fiberglass and adhering to the latest 8855-2021 technical regulations, offered a remarkable combination of lightweight design and exceptional durability.
Aldino Bellazzini, President and CEO of Sparco, shared his excitement: “We are excited to contribute to Lancia’s return to rally racing, a new chapter that celebrates a long tradition of excellence in motorsport. Partnering in this project allows us to fully express our values: innovation, safety, and high performance.”
Trofeo Lancia 2025: A Launchpad for Rising Rally Stars
Lancia's official return to the rally arena was marked by the debut of the Trofeo Lancia in the 2025 Italian Rally Championship. This exciting competition, comprising six races starting in April 2025, provided a platform for drivers to demonstrate their skills. Participants received comprehensive support, including technical apparel, hospitality, technical assistance, in-race parts supply, and dedicated visibility and communication.
A generous prize pool of approximately €300,000 was up for grabs, with rewards for race winners, end-of-season category champions, and the overall Trofeo champion. The ultimate victor earned the incredible opportunity to compete in the 2026 European Rally Championship with Team Lancia Corse HF, gaining invaluable experience in the professional rally racing world.
Lancia: A Legacy of Elegance and Innovation
With a rich 117-year history, Lancia embodied timeless Italian elegance, a brand that had captivated the world with iconic vehicles like the Flaminia, Aurelia B24 Spider, Delta, Stratos, 037, Fulvia, and Beta HPE. Lancia embarked on a renaissance with the launch of the new Ypsilon and a 10-year strategic plan focused on innovation, sustainability, customer-centricity, and social responsibility.
The collaboration between Lancia and Sparco marked a thrilling new chapter in rally racing, driven by technology, innovation, and a shared passion for motorsport excellence.