Nikolay Gryazin and Konstantin Aleksandrov finish second overall, behind Luca Pedersoli’s Rally1 car, in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale
Lancia Corse HF made its mark at Rallylegend with a weekend combining outstanding sporting performance and strong public engagement, as the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale showcased its competitiveness and the event once again celebrated the passion of an ever-growing crowd. The occasion also provided a platform for a charity project whose message extends far beyond motorsport.
Nikolay Gryazin and co-driver Konstantin Aleksandrov took centre stage with an outstanding performance that secured second place overall for the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, behind Luca Pedersoli’s Rally1 car. The Bulgarian driver demonstrated impressive pace throughout the weekend, recording the second-fastest time on seven of the ten special stages. He raised the bar further on Sunday, winning both stages and cutting the gap to the winner to just 15 seconds. It was a strong statement of the car’s potential and Gryazin’s competitiveness, building on his performances during Lancia Corse HF’s first season back in the FIA World Rally Championship and his contribution to the WRC2 Teams’ World Championship title.
Gryazin also claimed victory in the Memorial Bettega, following an exciting head-to-head contest against multiple champion Tony Cairoli, one of the standout challenges of the event.
The fans also gave a warm welcome to Rachele Somaschini, who made her debut in the Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale alongside San Marino co-driver Daiana Darderi. The all-female crew finished 14th overall and secured third place in the Memorial Bettega. It was a positive first experience in the car for Somaschini, who returned to rallying after a season away from competition. Her comeback was met with great enthusiasm from the fans, who recognised not only the sporting challenge but also a story of courage, determination and passion.
Living with cystic fibrosis, Somaschini brought the message of #CorrerePerUnRespiro to Rallylegend. Through this charity project, she supports Fondazione Ricerca sulla Fibrosi Cistica ETS, raising awareness of the genetic disease and helping to support scientific research. Her participation combined a return to competition with a personal and collective mission, demonstrating how motorsport can help raise the profile of important causes and engage a wider community.
Lancia Corse HF’s presence at Rallylegend therefore meant more than sporting results alone. Gryazin’s performance reaffirmed the competitive strength of the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale, following Lancia’s first season back in international rallying, while Somaschini’s appearance gave a voice to a charity initiative centred on people, awareness and support for research.
At an event that continues to strengthen its bond with rally fans every year, bringing together competition, entertainment and the sport’s rich heritage, Lancia Corse HF enjoyed a weekend that reflected the different facets of the brand: sporting ambition, passion and a commitment to the wider community.
