Our Region is preparing to host the 57th edition of the Madeira Wine Rally. A sports event that makes us very proud and that annually reinvents itself to arouse interest and surprise the expectations of thousands of islanders and tourists, who, with it, are associated with enthusiasm and great thrill.

Fruit of intense preparation and of an organization that deserves our highest recognition, the Madeira Wine Rally is currently the largest auto event in the region and one of the country's largest, integrating also the national and European championship. To its quality are, naturally, associated, a contagious vitality and an identity that effectively makes all the difference, an involvement that goes far beyond the road, becoming an unique experience.

And it is precisely this involvement, this vast human presence that follows, from the very first minute until the last day, each and very stage of this rally, which distinguishes this competition from all the others that occur nationally and internationally.

More than an event that takes part in the roads of the island, this is a genuine social and cultural manifestation, and that, therefore, should be preserved, enhanced and valued. We are speaking about a sports event that promotes, around the world, the image of Madeira and its lush landscapes, especially since this year’s edition integrates the European Tour Rally, ensuring thus a greater television coverage on all five continents.

Basically, we are dealing with an event that has a return in our economy, strengthening our competitiveness and reputation as a tourist destination and, simultaneously, can be seen as a celebration that, year after year, is experienced with intensity, and in a very particular way, by residents and visitors.

To the Organizing Committee, to all who contributed to this event and, of course, to each of the participants who, once again, will make this race a real show on our roads, I wish the greatest success, believing that, once again, this rally will fulfill its calling and purpose to celebrate jointly, the beauty, the sport, the authenticity and the joy that so well characterizes our island.

Eduardo Jesus

Regional Secretary of Economy, Tourism and Culture