Bernardo Sousa returns with a Citroën C3 Rally2 to the Rali Vinho da Madeira, "a race in which I hope to have a growing result, according to the latest records. In 2023 the difficulties increase because the competition is bigger and very strong. However, given my last participations in the event, I will be more comfortable because I have a better knowledge of the race. Our main goal is to be in the top three of the Portuguese Rally Championship, something that, given what we have shown in the last races, is within our reach.

I would also like to get on the absolute podium. In Madeira, the weather conditions are always very important and a stage and some new ground will reduce the advantage that the drivers in the local championship have. This is my first RVM with José Janela as co-driver and I may have to use new notes. Psychologically, this is my "home" race but in reality it is the one, in the national championship, in which I have fewer participations".

Aged 36, Sousa made his rallying debut in 2005 with a Ford Escort RS MkII. His first full season was in 2006 with a Peugeot 206 S1600. He then moved on to a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX and it was with this car that he was in the PWRC for the first time in 2008. He remained in that championship until 2011, first with a Fiat Punto S2000 and then with a Ford Fiesta S2000. It was with the latter model that he was national champion in 2010. He is sixth in the Portuguese Rally Championship.