by Pedro Calado, co-driver

"A spectacular special stage right in the centre of the city of Funchal, taking place late Thursday afternoon. The starting ceremony in Avenida Do Mar - Praça do Povo, will attract many people to experience closely all the excitement of the race. The spectacular race begins in a downhill area near the Funchal Fire Brigade, entering the access tunnel to the Francisco Sá Carneiro Roundabout, with a spectacular roundabout and ends in front of the Funchal Marina, in the north lane. The entire special stage is very fast and with spectacular areas and chicanes. Naturally, thousands of people will watch it, giving a lot of joy to all the teams and life to the City. Very fast and technical, to be done with attention. As this is a city special stage, with chicanes and only 2.18 kilometres long, "nothing is lost", but a lot can be "compromised". Very nice for the general public, especially in the new Praça do Povo area. A good start for the next two days of racing".