Rali Vinho Madeira is back to its normality, with the return of several special stages that the Covid 19 pandemic did not allow to be taken, with its norms completely understood and followed by the organization and the population.
After two years, with the recovery that we can witness all around the Region, rally is here with all its splendour, in its 63rd edition, placing, throughout the roads, millions of people who, I am certain, will, once more, give the example of civic sense and follow the rules and safety road signs.
In fact, I would like to thank all locals how they have been cooperating in these last few years of pandemic crisis, with a behaviour worth the best references, which allowed the Region to face the pandemic crisis, recover economy and regain its normality, as well as in the different activities, where the Rali Vinho da madeira is set, with its usual 17 stages, highlighting the return of the always outstanding Special Stage in Avenida do Mar.
Rally is, for local people, a lot more than a sports event. It is also a social gathering, with their massive, though civic, presence in our mountains, which are filled with visitors, some of them camping, so that they won’t miss a “pinch” of the race.
Throughout the years, we all got used to see in the Madeiran roads the greatest drivers of the national, and even international, motorsports. Drivers that we all got used to idolize and bring, without any doubts, a greater bright to our “Tour”.
For me, these are the great references, the great heroes of Rali Vinho da Madeira are the Madeiran drivers. They are the ones who have always been racing this competition, making it with high quality and accomplishing it, throughout the days, with great competitiveness. Being so, they have achieved several victories in a competition that is, for many, as well as for me, one of the best rallies of the world.
Nevertheless, a rally is not made of those who are in the front line, nor is its history. It is accomplished thanks to many who, for the love they feel for sports, become a part of it, magnifying the competition and showing, once more to everyone, how persistent, determined and passionate the Madeiran People can be.
The Regional Government will continue to support this competition. The Madeirans, the Organizational Committee of the competition, led by Paulo Fontes, are worth it.
Wishing you all a good rally.