Michelin and Lancia Reunite in Rallying

Michelin will support the Italian brand Lancia during its return to rallying and will be the official supplier for the Trofeo Lancia racing series, which will take place within the Italian Absolute Rally Championship (CIAR) and include five stages and six races. Participants will drive the Lancia Ypsilon Rally 4 HF, for which 80 pre-orders have already been received from all over Europe within three months.

The partnership between the two brands began back in the days of Lancia's loud fame in racing, and now Michelin will supply the monoseries with Michelin Pilot Sport tires in three versions: two for dry pavement and one for wet, all of which will be available in size 19/63-17 and optimized to improve the balance between traction, stability, and handling.

In the absence of rain, pilots will be able to choose between Michelin Pilot Sport Pro Rally tires of medium and high stiffness, and in Lancia, they say that the tires have increased efficiency due to their ability to adapt to any type of surface and quickly reach the desired operating temperature. Additionally, on a wet track, Michelin Pilot Sport A MW1 tires can be used, which are designed to enhance grip and safety even in heavy rain conditions.

The prize fund for the Trofeo Lancia is 360,000 euros, and if the winner is a driver under the age of 35, they will have the opportunity to become a member of the official Lancia Corse HF team in the next European Rally Championship (ERC) season.

"Lancia and Michelin have written incredible chapters in the history of rallying, and today we are proudly reviving this collaboration, based on innovation," said Lancia CEO Luca Napolitano. "The Trofeo Lancia is a great opportunity for talents to improve their skills in motorsport, and Michelin's stunning tires will provide them with the best conditions to unlock their potential. This partnership is further proof that we are determined to return Lancia to the top of motorsport."

Cristiano Zappala, regional manager of Michelin's rally department, added that "it is a great honor for us to join Lancia during their return to rallying". "We will supply Lancia with next-generation tires developed through our long-term participation in rallies of all levels," he noted. "Despite modern technologies, the Michelin Pilot Sport Pro Rally tires are the heirs to the tires that contributed to the successes of the Italian manufacturer starting from the late 80s, when Michelin helped Lancia win two titles with Mike Biasion."