For its debut in Italy, the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale takes the win

For a legendary Italian brand like Lancia, the debut of the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale on Italian soil was obviously highly anticipated. It was at the Rally dei Laghi, near Varese, that the newcomer from the Stellantis fold was entered, and with great success, as for the first time since 2012, a Lancia took the overall victory on home soil!

Andrea Crugnola, partnered with his co-driver Andrea Sassi, also won the rally for the fifth time, thus equaling Giacomo Ogliari's record. Crugnola won at the wheel of the Lancia, taking victory on each of the seven special stages, and finishing 1 minute and 33 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Five Škoda Fabias, top contenders in the world of Rally2, occupied positions 2 to 6, ahead of one Renault Clio Rally 3, between the winning Lancia and another Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, that of Nicolò Ardizzone.

While Crugnola's dominance may have seemed absolute on paper, the Italian driver, like the rest of the field, had to contend with particularly difficult conditions, especially on the last two stages, which were hit by heavy downpours. These were new conditions for the Lancia, which had already had to prove itself earlier in the year at a particularly challenging Monte Carlo Rally, where Yohan Rossel won the Super Sunday category, beating the Rally1 cars.

These Italian debuts served as preparation for Lancia to participate in the Italian Championship this year, with Andrea Crugnola in the role of the official Lancia driver.

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