The iconic Italian brand reignites its motorsport legacy with the Ypsilon Rally4 HF and a bold new one-make racing series
Palermo, Sicily – May 8–10, 2025. Lancia is officially back on the racing scene. After years of anticipation and growing excitement among enthusiasts, the legendary Italian automaker is making its grand return at none other than the 2025 Targa Florio—the world’s oldest and most storied road race. From May 8th to 10th, the hills of the Madonie Mountains will once again echo with the spirit of Lancia as the brand launches the Trofeo Lancia, a new one-make rally cup featuring the high-performance Ypsilon Rally4 HF.
Contents
- 1 The Targa Florio: A Fitting Stage for a Comeback
- 2 A New Era Begins: The Trofeo Lancia
- 3 A Racing Hub in the Heart of Palermo
- 4 Lancia’s Glorious Targa Florio Heritage
- 5 The Ypsilon Rally4 HF: Purpose-Built for Performance
- 6 A Season of Speed: Trofeo Lancia 2025 Race Calendar
- 7 Sharing the Passion with Fans
- 8 Final Word: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
The Targa Florio: A Fitting Stage for a Comeback
This year marks the 109th edition of the Targa Florio, and it’s shaping up to be a celebration of past glory and future ambition. As the third round of the Italian Absolute Rally Championship (CIAR SPARCO), the event will also feature the Targa Florio Historic Rally, Zone Rally Cup, and Sicilian Rally Championship.
Lancia has chosen this iconic setting for the debut of the Trofeo Lancia, a new racing cup that showcases its next-gen rally contender—the 212-hp Ypsilon Rally4 HF. After just four months on the market, 90 units of the car have already been sold, proving strong demand for the brand’s return to motorsport.
A New Era Begins: The Trofeo Lancia
The Trofeo Lancia cup kicks off at the Targa Florio and will span six CIAR events across Italy in 2025. Drivers will compete in three categories:
- Junior: Under 25
- Master: Ages 25–35
- Expert: Over 35
The series boasts a €360,000 prize pool, with one standout Junior driver earning a coveted seat on the official Lancia team for the 2026 European Rally Championship (ERC) under team director Eugenio Franzetti.
A Racing Hub in the Heart of Palermo
The University of Palermo’s Museum of Engines and Mechanisms will serve as the rally HQ, hosting stage starts, technical checks, testing, and the awards ceremony. Nearby, the Lancia Corse HF Village will be the epicenter for fans and media, offering:
- Test drives of the new hybrid and electric Ypsilon
- An exclusive preview of the 280-hp all-electric Ypsilon HF, accelerating 0–100 km/h in 5.8s
- Brand showcases, public activities, and a special kickoff event at Stellantis Palermo on May 7th
Lancia’s Glorious Targa Florio Heritage
Lancia’s deep roots at the Targa Florio go back to 1907 and 1908, when brand founder Vincenzo Lancia stood on the podium. From then through 1992, the marque claimed 15 total victories—including a dominant streak with icons like the Stratos HF, Rally 037, and Delta HF Integrale.
Legendary drivers such as:
- Gérard Larrousse & Amilcare Ballestrieri (Stratos HF, 1974)
- Carello-Perissinot (1978 Rally debut win)
- Cunico, Fassina, Cerrato, Liatti, and Longhi
All contributed to Lancia’s reputation as one of the most successful names in Targa Florio history.

The Ypsilon Rally4 HF: Purpose-Built for Performance
The Ypsilon Rally4 HF is a high-performance rally car engineered to give rising talent a platform to shine. Key specs:
- Power: 212 hp turbo engine
- Transmission: SADEV 5-speed sequential
- Suspension: Adjustable Öhlins shocks
- Drive: Front-wheel drive
With a focus on accessibility and competition, the car has already turned heads during appearances at the Rally Regione Piemonte, where Gianandrea Pisani and Nicola Biagi secured podium finishes.
A Season of Speed: Trofeo Lancia 2025 Race Calendar
After the Targa Florio, the Trofeo Lancia series continues across Italy’s premier rally stages:
- Rally Due Valli – May 30–31
- Rally Roma Capitale (FIA ERC) – July 4–6
- Rally del Lazio – September 13–14
- Rallye Sanremo (Finale) – October 17–18
Sharing the Passion with Fans
Lancia is bringing the Trofeo experience to fans around the world through real-time updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (@LanciaCorseHF). From behind-the-scenes stories to rally-day highlights, the digital celebration mirrors the brand’s renewed energy and emotional connection with its heritage.
Final Word: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
As Lancia steps back into the racing world, the brand honors its heritage while accelerating into the electric future. The Targa Florio is more than a race—it’s a statement. And with the Ypsilon Rally4 HF and Trofeo Lancia series, the message is clear: Lancia is back—and it’s here to win.
Automotive industry expert and editor of Vhiclo, specializing in car news, EV technology, and in-depth vehicle analysis. With years of experience in the field, Koutaibah provides trusted insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike.