Greetings RVM 2024

First weekend in August.

Tradition dictates that Rali Vinho da Madeira shall be held, undoubtedly the biggest socio-sporting event in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

It is an event with a long track record, one of the brightest stars in the world of European rallies, as well as on the national and regional scene.

Continuing to be a benchmark event, it is usually attended by drivers from different European countries, who are joined by drivers competing in both the Portuguese Rally Championship and the Madeira Coral Rally Championship, in a competition that usually attracts thousands and thousands of Madeirans to the roads of this marvellous island of Madeira.

This year is once again a challenging one for the Organising Committee: despite keeping the same format as the last edition, we've introduced some changes to make the rally more compact and competitive - we're keeping the iconic Avenida do Mar show rally on Thursday evening, we're taking the ‘jump’ over the Madeira Stadium, the beautiful pass through Chão da Lagoa followed by the descent to Ribeiro Frio, making this the longest Special Stage at around 22 kilometres, passing the rearranged Carvalhal crossroads on the Ponta do Sol special Stage, with a climb to Paúl da Serra, and then, in connection, descending to Calheta, where an extremely technical Special stage will also be contested, with many points where spectators can access to watch.

Our spectators have always been exemplary in their civic behaviour and tireless in their support for the drivers and the rally organisation, and it is, after all, for them that we also work, because if without drivers there are no rallies, without the public there is no show.

Before the Avenida do Mar, on Thursday afternoon, there will be a presentation ceremony for the competitors at the podium in Praça do Povo. Over the next two days, they will travel around the four corners of the island, passing through all of Madeira's municipalities, guaranteeing a spectacle and a party, a party controlled by all the safety and health standards prescribed by the regional, national and international authorities.

This year we will be reinforcing environmental sustainability standards, as advocated by the FPAK and FIA.

As usual, I recommend that everyone watch the rally, close to the excitement but far away from the danger, and I ask the Madeirans to behave, as always, in an exemplary way to brighten up this event that is not just from Madeira, but is for Madeira.

Happy Rali Vinho da Madeira 2024

Pedro Melvill de Araújo