José Paulo Fontes reminded today, in a Press Conference in Madeira Tecnopolo, that Rali Vinho Madeira (RVM) “is part of the European Rally Trophy, thus being an international level FIA event”.

The chairman of the RVM Organizing Committee has also mentioned the absence from the European Championship (ERC). “According to the rules, no country may have more than one event in ERC. If Madeira took the place Ireland left, the Azores would have to leave and, as lately annouced, the azorean rally renewed its agreement for another 3 years.”

The madeiran organization also stressed the lack of interest in being part of this European Championship. Pedro Araújo reminded that currently, “there is no FIA observation in ERC races, and it may threaten the quality of its events”. On this subject, José Paulo Fontes pointed “the fact that other historic rallies have left the European Championship”.

ERC, held today by Eurosport, demands finantial and logistic conditions, instead of a quality sports report. “Besides the costs the organizations must now face, there are logistic demands like having a ferry for the transport of the cars and two helicopters for media coverage”, explained José Paulo Fontes.

Havinf in mind the economic situation of the Region, “RVM choose to be part of a more modest competition, but with international prestige and innovations, as the TER – Tour European Rally, that assures Madeira's promotion in several international markets”.