Rallying in Italy is a fairly well-practiced motorsport. Italian drivers have become the World Rally Champions twice in history; both were Miki Biasion in the years 1988 and 1989. In 1977, Sandro Munari won the FIA Cup for Drivers. Italians have also achieved 30 rally wins, the last of which with Piero Liatti at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1997.

The Scuderia Lancia, which later became the Squadra Corse HF Lancia, is the racing workshop of the Lancia car company, created in 1952 by Gianni Lancia, son of the brand's founder. The Scuderia Lancia officially began competing in motor sports, particularly in rallying, where it distinguished itself in the Carrera Panamericana, the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia. The team also entered Formula 1 in 1954-1955, without particularly shining. The Squadra Corse bounced back in the World Endurance Championship with three world titles between 1979 and 1981, and in rallying, winning eleven constructors' titles and four drivers' titles between 1974 and 1992. Since the end of 1991, Lancia has ceased all official involvement in motor racing.