Lancia prepares for first WRC2 gravel test in Portugal

Lancia is set to transition its Ypsilon HF Integrale Rally2 from tarmac to loose surfaces as the brand heads to Portugal for its first gravel event of the WRC2 season. Having previously competed in Monte-Carlo, Croatia, and the Canary Islands on sealed roads, the team enters this round with a clear objective to validate the car's performance in varied terrain.

Drivers Yohan Rossel and Nikolay Gryazin have already proven the platform's pace on asphalt, with Rossel currently tied for the WRC2 standings lead following consecutive victories. While the squad’s experience on gravel remains relatively limited, they did gain preliminary data during a private test and a outing at the Rally Città di Foligno earlier this year.

Reflecting on the shift, Rossel remains optimistic about the team's ability to remain competitive. He noted that while testing has been restricted, the primary goal is to adapt quickly and maintain the high performance levels seen in earlier rounds. The team is now fully focused on the technical requirements of the Portuguese gravel stages as they look to extend their strong start to the campaign.