WRC
Gryazin (Lancia) confident after the Monte-Carlo Shakedown
© Nikos Katikis / DPPI
Nikolay, how did the Shakedown go?
It went rather well; we were able to finalize our settings for the start of the rallyEverything went well.
Did you have a small problem with the front of your Lancia?
No, there's a compression point in one spot with quite a bit of gravel. But no worries. It's not ideal, but it's part of the game.
How do you feel about the Lancia?
I feel good; we know what we need to do to set up the car in the different conditions. I'm happy with the tests we've done; we were able to do everything we wanted. The car is easy to drive; the question now is what the performance level will be during the rally.
You're reunited with Didier (Clément, Team Principal. Editor's note), Yohan (Rossel, his teammate) in a team you already know, does that make you feel more at ease?
It's definitely more comfortable to come back to a team where you know everyone, there's no need to introduce yourself! I immediately feel at home, and it puts less pressure than when you meet a team for the very first time.
Is it important for you to be involved in this project with the 2027 regulation as the ultimate goal?
Of course, it's also important to have a clear view of the future. I think I'm with a good team for that. However, we don't know the regulations completely yet! If it creates more competition and groups everyone into one category, that's perfect. At least we'll be able to compare ourselves directly against the Rally1 drivers.
Competing alongside Yohan Rossel, three-time winner of the Monte Carlo Rally, must give good hope for this year?
It's very helpful to have him by my side; we fought during Yohan's three victories. I won one without actually winning it—we don't talk about it anymore, but we haven't forgotten! What happened is clear, and it wasn't a good time. It's good to have this rivalry and to have him by my side so we can learn from each other.
Interview by Pierre Barré, in Gap (Hautes-Alpes).
ALSO READ > Monte Carlo Rally – Shakedown: Katsuta surprises the favorites
-
Collector's item Renault 5 Turbo
11,90€ NEW -
7,90€ INDISPENSABLE -
Collector Ferrari Legendary Duos
11,90€ NEW
Continue reading on these topics:
Yves-Henri RANDIER
21/01/2026 at 07:27 a.m.
Great news for the official return of Lancia and the HF badge to the world rally scene! This can only boost the profile of the Lancia Ypsilon, whose WRC2 version is much more than just a rebadged Citroën C3 Rally2.