Giandomenico Basso is back to Rali Vinho da Madeira. His presence his most welcomed and he will be driving a Hyundai i20 that belongs to the Portuguese pilot Carlos Vieira (out of competition due to an accident).

The 59^th edition of Rali Vinho da Madeira scheduled to 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th August counts with 61 pilots and although there are not many foreigner teams, competition is expected to be strong.

“In spite of negotiations, it was impossible to bring other pilots due to high cost with transport. Coming to Madeira Island is not the same as going to central Europe. The ferry boat connection is essential but this year we still did not benefit from it. Eventually, next year and once this issue is defined, we might get ready for surprises”, argued José Paulo Fontes, at this afternoon press conference held at Empresa de Cervejas da Madeira.

The President of the Organizing committee of RVM clarified that the Belgium pilot Joachim Wagemans will be participating adding that he is one of the 16 pilots competing with a R5 vehicle.  There will also be 3 Hyundai i20, 3 Citroen DS3, 1 Citroen C3 and 5 Skoda Fabia.

The best Portuguese pilots are also on the list. Names like José Pedro Fontes, Armindo Araújo, Miguel Barbosa, Pedro Meireles and João Barros, who are among the National Championship Top 10, will be in Madeira.

Madeira pilots, Alexandre Camacho, Miguel Nunes and João Silva will join the competition and their “know-how” will surely guarantee an animated fight for a podium position and will add to the excitement of the racing that is accompanied with great enthusiasm by automobile fans.

“We are counting with excellent pilots that will guarantee competitiveness, we hope to see the roads full of people to celebrate this year’s rally, already a touristic landmark but we remind people to respect security instructions”, pointed out José Paulo Fontes.