Kris Meeke returns to Rali Vinho da Madeira after 13 years in a Hyundai i20N Rally2 "I have more grey hair, but I remember how hard my debut in 2009 was, especially in anticipating, in the reconnaissance, the speed at which we would pass in the race. In 2010 I was better but I gave up near the end with mechanical problems. It's a very beautiful place, a very traditional tarmac rally. Maybe even more difficult than Corsica because the road is wider and we can't have such precise notes.

The goal for this year is a bit limited because I have a vague idea of the race and I don't remember the technical aspects. It will be like starting all over again. The Portuguese competitors know the race well, the Madeirans are very familiar with the route. It will be almost mission impossible to beat them. I'm going to fight thinking about the Portuguese championship. We'll see. I'll try to do my best because I really like the island".

44-year-old Kris Meeke started rallying in 2000 with a Peugeot 106 GTi. He was British junior champion in 2002 with a Ford Puma S1600 and in 2003 with an Opel Corsa S1600. His speed and driving style led to him being sponsored by Colin McRae. He has represented brands such as Peugeot in the IRC and Mini, Citroën and Toyota in the WRC, but his only outright title came in the 2009 Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

He has worked on the development of several racing models.  In 2023 he replaced the late Craig Breen in the Hyundai Portugal team and is fifth in the CPR after winning two of his three races.