It is with great satisfaction that I will attend the Rali Vinho da Madeira, recognised as one of the best motor racing events in Europe.

Rali Vinho da Madeira is a childhood icon of all Madeirans. More than a party for outsiders, it is our party. It is our soul that gives life to the party on the road.

It is a pride for the Madeiran people to have a race of this nature, highly competitive, as has happened over the years.

It is also an important poster for publicising and promoting the Region abroad.

Our rally - our “around the island”, as some affectionately still call it, remembering the original name - has had a strong competitive growth over the years. And our drivers, to the great satisfaction of Madeirans, have been able to keep up with this growth, presenting themselves with vehicles at the level of those coming from abroad, even winning the rally.

I am convinced that it will be another great party, excellently organised, as usual, by Club Sports da Madeira. And where, once again, the Madeirans who come to watch the rally on the road will set a civic example by complying with the safety rules, not going over the barriers and watching the race in places that do not offer danger.

In the name of the common good, it is important that the Rali Vinho da Madeira is held safely.

I can only wish you all a good Rally and that you stay safe on and off the road.

President of the Government of the Autonomous Region of Madeira

Miguel Filipe Machado de Albuquerque