Hello!
 
At a time of international crisis, it is one more challenge submitted to the Organizing Commission of  the Madeira Wine Rally with the economic and financial difficulties affecting both organizations and teams, but a challenge which brings so much prestige both to the Rally and to Madeira, carrying its Name to the four corners of the world, be it through reports and spots ahead of the Rally, or be it through live broadcasting during the course of the Rally. This challenge brings some mounting responsibilities, but the international prestige which our Rally has already achieved, confers upon us extra motivation towards a job well-done.
 
It's like that. The Rally is once again ready to take to the road, counting once more on the recognition on the part of the FIA by placing us amongst the best of the European Rally Trophy, the most important FIA series for amateurs, given that the other competitions, be they European or world, sponsored by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile are basically destined for very professionalized competitive structures or indeed professionals. It also counts, as an example to that which has become familiar, for the National Rallies Championship and for the 'Coral' Rallies Championship of Madeira.
 
This year we are returning to the Thursday, Friday and Saturday pattern with the exhibition stage of the Avenida do Mar set to start the rally on the Thursday afternoon, following on from the opening ceremony on the podium in front of the headquarters of the Club Sports da Madeira.
 
Due to FIA regulations, it has been necessary to readjust the length of some special stages, which we have done without taking anything away from the spectacle always present on our roads.
 
On the Friday, we proceed to the 'leap' of the Nacional  and we have reintroduced, with a slightly different layout, the iconic Ribeiro Frio special stage. On this day, for those who long for night-time competitions, the rally cuts a little into the night with the last two stages of the day taking place at night.
 
On the Saturday, as well as the usual run through Câmara de Lobos, Ponta do Pargo and Encumeada, we have introduced a totally new stretch in Ponta do Sol with a spectacular run through the zone of Carvalhal.
 
For the remainder, the structure of this year's Rally is identical to the last editions with, as I already mentioned, slight changes in some departure and arrival points of the special stages, motivated towards a better quality, placing once again special emphasis on the safety aspect, particularly that of  the drivers and spectators  it being foreseen that, in spite of the afore-mentioned crisis, both will be there in great number on the roads of Madeira. Also, it is never too much to remember that impeccable behaviour, as is usual among the Madeiran public, is an indispensable condition for the success of the Madeira Wine Rally.
 
We look forward to seeing you on the roads of Madeira, close to the thrills and well away from any danger.
 
Pedro Melvill de Araújo

Director of the Competition