As usual, the 66th edition of Rali Vinho da Madeira will be on the roads during the first weekend of August. Once again, the event has everything it takes to honour its historic and popular reputation and be a great success, which is, in fact, the hallmark of this important and historic event in European, national and regional motor sport.

This time, there will be more than 80 entrants, in a list of drivers that brings together several big names, regional, national and international, in this sport that Madeirans are so passionate about, who make this event a real party, but never forgetting the most basic rules of civility and safety, fundamental in a race of this nature, which also captivates thousands of spectators, who literally follow it with passion, from start to finish.

As Mayor of Funchal, I would like to remind you that the municipality supports this sport as much as possible. Furthermore, one of the events that attracts spectators the most is undoubtedly Avenida do Mar Super-Special Stage

Although Rali Vinho da Madeira is an international event, it is also a very important vehicle for promoting the Autonomous Region of Madeira and Funchal. It also has a tremendous economic impact, particularly on the municipalities and localities, as can be seen from the dynamics that surround the places where the event takes place. Being so, I can't help express my satisfaction that environmental sustainability is a strong concern of the organisation of this event, which is why the Rally2 (R5) fuel will be 100% synthetic and free of polluting gases, as well as the elimination of plastic tapes.

In this field and living in a time when environmental sustainability and reducing our ecological footprint is one of the most important legacies we can leave for future generations, I would also like to appeal for the collaboration of the thousands of spectators of the 65th edition of the Rali Vinho da Madeira, especially with regard to "waste production", specifically reducing the use of plastic and taking the utmost care to leave it in the appropriate containers.

I would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the competence and professionalism of the organisation of Rali Vinho da Madeira, which is doing everything it can to set an international example, with the support of the Regional Government, but also of the municipalities, including Funchal City Council.

Having said that, I'm sure that, in this edition, Madeira will once again show its excellent organisational capabilities, as well as all its potential and infrastructural qualities, which make us a region with all the conditions to host and organise major events, as we do on several occasions, one of which is unequivocally Rali Vinho da Madeira.

I can't finish without saying a few words to our spectators, who are extraordinarily passionate about the sport, reaffirming the importance of civility and safety, so that together we can make this edition of Rali Vinho da Madeira another great success.

Finally, to all the teams and all the participants, but also to all those who take part and collaborate, often voluntarily and passionately, so that our Rali Vinho da Madeira is always a success, I would like to wish you an excellent rally and my special and heartfelt thanks for everything you give to this sport.

Cristina Pedra

Mayor of Funchal