Diego Ruiloba and Ángel Vela are entered for the Rally Villa de Llanes with Lancia Corse España, where they aim to repeat their 2024 victory and mark Lancia’s return to Asturian tarmac. The official entry list confirms Ruiloba’s participation among 72 crews.
This is a impressive year for Lancia: the brand returns officially to the Rally Villa de Llanes after more than thirty years away. The new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale will make its rally debut on these tricky, winding roads. For Ruiloba and Vela, this is more than another race. They are competing at home before their own fans, hoping to bring another trophy back for themselves and the team.
The Rally Villa de Llanes is a tough stop on the S-CER (Supercampeonato de España de Rallies) calendar, and its roads have made legends. Lancia won four times between 1986 and 1992. Among the drivers were Salvador Servià and Chus Puras. Gustavo Trelles also drove for the marque. Ruiloba and Vela now hope to add their names to that record and carry Lancia’s story forward.
Just fifteen days ago, Ruiloba and Vela set a personal best with seven stage wins at the Rally Blendio Princesa de Asturias. They also claimed their third bonus stage on gravel, giving them momentum heading to Llanes. The rally runs from September 24 to 26. It begins on Thursday evening in the town center. Friday features five special stages, including a night run through Toró, and Saturday brings eight more. The service park at Área La Talá will be Lancia’s base for the weekend.
“The Rally Villa de Llanes is one of the most cherished events for every team in the Supercampeonato de España, and for Ángel and me, it’s especially meaningful,” Ruiloba said. “Our victory two years ago was a turning point. The stages here are spectacular, and our only goal this weekend is to win. We have the car and the team, along with the speed and everything else we need to get back on top of the podium, so we’ll be pushing from the very first kilometer.”
Revista Scratch described the 2026 edition as one of the weekend’s basic duels. Ruiloba is second in the S-CER standings, with José Antonio Suárez leading the championship by a impressive margin. Official announcements and the tourist board confirmed the event will take place in Llanes from September 24 to 26.
Lancia’s record in Llanes matches its four wins at the Rally Blendio Princesa de Asturias, including three consecutive victories. Salvador Servià and Jordi Sabater won in 1986 in the Lancia Rally 037. Further victories came in 1990 and 1992 with the Lancia Delta Integrale 16V. Gustavo Trelles and Ricardo Ivetich secured another win in between. This year, the Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale is chasing that winning feeling again.
Lancia Corse España has strong backing from sponsors including Distrigo and Pirelli. TotalEnergies and Quartz also support the team, as does Volan FAPA. The team is focused on the S-CER and wants results. As the championship heads into its final rounds, only a win will do.
The Spanish rally scene is known for close title fights, as recent reports have shown. That reflects the intensity and unpredictability of the sport at this level.
Lancia’s return to Llanes is also a chance to show that the brand still matters in Spanish rallying. With Ruiloba and Vela at the wheel, the team hopes to turn old memories into new wins and carry Lancia’s story forward on the roads of Asturias.
