Lancia has expanded its testing programme for the upcoming Ypsilon Rally2 by adding Mārtiņš Sesks and Teemu Suninen to its development team. The move underlines the Italian manufacturer's commitment to producing a competitive car before its official entry into international rally competition.
Both drivers bring significant experience despite being at different stages of their careers. Sesks has quickly established himself as one of the fastest young rally drivers in Europe, while Suninen offers years of experience competing at the highest level of the FIA World Rally Championship. Their combined knowledge is expected to help engineers fine-tune the Ypsilon Rally2 in a variety of conditions.
The development programme will include extensive testing on gravel and asphalt, allowing the team to evaluate the car's suspension, handling characteristics and overall reliability. Engineers will use feedback from both drivers to optimise the package before customer deliveries begin. The first test was held in Finland this week.
Lancia's return to rallying represents an important milestone for the historic Italian brand, which built its reputation through decades of success in the World Rally Championship. Rather than targeting the top Rally1 category immediately, the company has chosen the highly competitive Rally2 class, where customer teams play a central role and manufacturers can showcase both performance and reliability.
With testing progressing steadily and experienced drivers contributing to the project, expectations continue to grow ahead of the Ypsilon Rally2's competitive debut. The combination of modern engineering, Stellantis technology and input from two proven rally drivers could give Lancia a solid foundation for a successful return to the sport that helped define its legacy.
Photo Credits: Lancia
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