Lancia Corse España Enters S CER with Diego Ruiloba and the New Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale

Lancia is making a major move in motorsport as it returns to the Spanish Rally Superchampionship with the creation of its official team, Lancia Corse España. The new program will see talented Spanish driver Diego Ruiloba and co driver Ángel Vela compete behind the wheel of the brand new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale. Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale

The announcement signals an exciting new chapter for the Italian brand as it continues rebuilding its presence in international rally racing. The project will debut during the 2026 season of the Supercampeonato de España de Rallyes, widely known as S CER. Spanish Rally Superchampionship

A New Official Team for the Spanish Championship

Lancia Spain has launched its own competition structure called Lancia Corse España to manage the program. The team represents the brand’s official return to top level rally competition in Spain, a country where Lancia historically enjoyed enormous success on national rally stages. Lancia Corse España

Technical support for the project will be provided by Sports and You, the official distributor of Stellantis Motorsport equipment for Spain and Portugal. Their involvement ensures the team will receive the engineering and logistical support needed to compete at the highest level. Sports&You

The new team will make its competitive debut at the Rally La Nucía in Alicante, which serves as the opening round of the 2026 S CER season. Rally La Nucía

Diego Ruiloba Leads the Program

The driver chosen to lead the program is Spanish rally talent Diego Ruiloba, one of the most promising competitors in the national rally scene. Ruiloba and his co driver Ángel Vela finished as runners up in the 2024 Spanish Rally Superchampionship and also competed in the World Rally Championship during the 2025 season. Diego Ruiloba Ángel Vela

Both drivers are part of the young talent development program supported by Stellantis Motorsport, which aims to identify and support the next generation of rally stars.

Ruiloba expressed excitement about joining the historic Italian brand and representing it in competition. He emphasized his motivation to fight for victories and deliver strong results for the team and its supporters.

The Return of an Iconic Rally Brand

Lancia’s return to Spanish rally competition is significant because of the brand’s rich history in the sport. The company previously enjoyed major success in Spain, collecting more than a dozen national titles over the years.

Some of the drivers who helped build that legacy include Jorge de Bagration, Salvador Servià, Juan Carlos Oñoro, Gustavo Trelles, and Jesús Puras. These champions competed in legendary rally machines such as the Lancia Stratos HF, Lancia Rally 037, and Lancia Delta HF Integrale.

Now, roughly 30 years after its last major title in the country, Lancia is returning with a new generation of rally technology and talent.

A New Rally Car for a New Era

At the center of the program is the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, a competition car built to FIA Rally2 regulations. The vehicle is powered by a turbocharged 1.6 liter engine paired with a sequential gearbox and a sophisticated all wheel drive system designed for maximum performance on gravel and asphalt stages.

The car is based on the latest generation Lancia Ypsilon and represents a key part of the brand’s broader strategy to return to global rally competition. The model has already made its competitive debut in the WRC2 category of the World Rally Championship.

Sponsors and 2026 Rally Calendar

The Lancia Corse España program will be supported by several sponsors including Distrigo, Pirelli, TotalEnergies, Quartz, and Volan FAPA. These partners will help fund the team’s efforts throughout the season.

The 2026 S CER championship calendar includes multiple rally events across Spain such as Sierra Morena, Ourense, Rías Baixas, and RallyRACC Catalunya Costa Daurada. Each event will provide different terrain challenges for teams and drivers throughout the year.

A New Chapter for Lancia Motorsport

The launch of Lancia Corse España and the introduction of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale represent another important step in the brand’s motorsport revival.

With a promising driver lineup, a competitive new rally car, and strong technical backing, Lancia is positioning itself to once again become a serious force in rally racing. For fans of the historic brand, the 2026 season marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter on the rally stages of Spain and beyond.