Future regulations could force Lancia to return to the WRC

Lancia announced this week that it plans to return to rallying after an absence of more than 30 years, following its involvement in the Rally4 program with its new Ypsilon hatchback.

Two-time World Rally Champion Biasion, Lancia’s most successful WRC driver with 16 victories and two world titles, took part in the launch of Rally4 in Turin ahead of this week’s WRC Sardinia Rally.

While Lancia’s commitment to returning to the stages is at the lower end of the rally pyramid – the two-wheel-drive Rally4 class – Biasion believes Lancia could reassess its plan if future FIA ​​WRC regulations are favorable to the brand.

The FIA ​​is due to approve the technical regulations for next year and for 2027 and beyond at the World Motor Sport Council next month.

“I think they (Lancia) have good ideas step by step and are pushing and pushing hard to come back,” the 1988-89 Autosport world champion said during a media event at the Martini Racing Club.

“They have to start very slowly and when the FIA ​​decides the rules for the future, maybe they will think about it (more). At the moment, the idea of ​​organizing a Rally4 championship is quite good. I’m proud of the idea and I’m very happy to see this show.

Miki Biasion, Tiziano Siviero, Lancia Delta S4

Photo: Christian Alias

“I think it will be a good start for the young drivers in the Rally4 car and then we will see the future.”

When asked for his thoughts on the future WRC regulations, Biasion believes that reducing the cost of competing is a key factor. The Italian would also like to see the difference in performance between the Rally1 and Rally2 cars narrow.

“As you know, costs are an issue and I personally believe they (FIA) need to bring them down, which will allow privateer drivers with the right budget to compete with the top drivers, which will help new, younger drivers to be competitive in the championship,” he added.

“I hope that the results of Rally 1 and Rally 2 will become closer, and the most important thing is that the costs of Rally 2 will not increase.

“As you can see, all national rally championships use Rally2 cars and they are very popular. If it’s so popular, it must be a good category, so why not create a WRC plus (class) with these cars.”