As a child of the eighties, Chicherit – the Founder and President of GCK (Green Corp Konnection) – was inspired by the success of the Lancia Delta Integrale in the FIA World Rally Championship. When the French entrepreneur launched his company’s GCK Exclusiv-e retrofit division in 2020, it set about designing and building a modern electric version of this iconic hot-hatch.

The race-bred version of the road-going Lancia Delta Evo-e, the four-wheel drive Lancia Delta Evo-e RX, was designed and manufactured from the ground up at GCK Performance’s workshop in Issoire in central France, with the use of bespoke tools and equipment. The chassis alone took more than 1,200 hours to complete.

In a fusion of past glories and future technologies, its unmistakeable body shape conceals a tubular structure and two cutting-edge electric motors generating 500kW – equivalent to 680bhp.

Chicherit – whose last World RX’s appearance saw him finish fifth at the Nürburgring 12 months ago – will climb into the cockpit for the car’s competitive debut, using the event as preparation for a full-season assault in 2023.

“I’m really excited to be back in World RX, a year on from my last appearance in the championship,” says Chicherit.

“One thing is for sure – our Lancia Delta Evo-e RX will stand out from the crowd in a field of modern cars in this ultra-spectacular series.

“I must congratulate GCK Performance for the fantastic job they have done over the past nine months. The build quality and level of finish are both incredible – I have no doubt the Lancia will impress plenty of people out there.

“We’ll clearly need a bit of time to get to grips with the car and make it competitive, but right now I’m just eager to get out on-track!”