Rui Jorge Fernandes' objectives for the next Rali Vinho da Madeira, at the wheel of a Renault Clio Rally4, ’are not to puncture (laughs) and to be at the front of the Rally4 class. So far our balance for the year isn't positive because, although we've been leading the category, we still haven't won a single race and, as a result, we've jeopardised our championship. In this context, I must thank the team, family and friends for all their support during this difficult time.

Now we're going to the next race for what we want to be an act of triumph and, of course, to have fun. It looks like there's going to be a fight in our division. As well as the teams that usually compete in Madeira, we'll be joined by national drivers and a few ‘fierce lions’ from the Peugeot Iberian Cup, with established credits and who we know are very fast.’

Fernandes is 34 years old and started rallying in 2008 with a Skoda Fabia TDi. Although he has always been in contention for the top positions in which he has competed, he only has three Madeiran titles on two-wheel drive, obtained between 2020 and 2022, always at the controls of a Renault Clio R3T. He has been behind the wheel of vehicles as diverse as the Citroën Saxo Cup, Citroën C2 R2, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX and Ford Escort RS 2000.