Since the beginning of each year, this is a moment and date eagerly awaited by all Madeirans. The first weekend of August, when, once again, the machines, drivers and co-drivers, who are the core of a new and popular edition of Rali da Madeira, this time the 66th edition, take to the road.

And as has always been the rule, there is no doubt that this new edition of this historic race has everything to honour its historic and popular heritage and, once again, be a great success, attracting thousands of Madeirans to the road to watch the stages, with all the necessary precautions and in a healthy and community spirit of conviviality for this sport, which is, moreover, the hallmark of this very important and historic European, national and regional motor sport event.

This is a sport and an event supported by the Funchal City Council. This support is provided with complete transparency and rigour, complying with all the rules that govern municipal government action.

I would also like to remind you that one of the events that attracts the most spectators is, without doubt, the super special stage on Avenida do Mar. It is with this event, right in the heart of the city, that Rali da Madeira begins.

I must emphasise that Rali da Madeira is an important sporting event and even serves as a promotional vehicle for the Autonomous Region of Madeira and Funchal, and also has a tremendous economic impact, particularly at the level of municipalities and localities, as can be seen from the dynamics surrounding the places where the event takes place.

It is always worth mentioning and praising the local authority's satisfaction with the fact that environmental sustainability is a major concern for the organisation.

For this very reason, and as we all live 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 also call on the thousands of spectators at the 66th edition of Rali da Madeira to cooperate, particularly with regard to ‘waste production’, specifically by reducing the use of plastic and taking the utmost care to dispose of it in the appropriate containers.

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

I am certain that, in this edition, Madeira will once again demonstrate its excellent organisational skills, as well as its full 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 undoubtedly Rali da Madeira

I would like to conclude by addressing a few words to our audience, who are extraordinarily passionate about the sport, reiterating the importance of civility and safety, so that, together, we can make this edition of Rali da Madeira another great success.

Finally, to all the teams and all the participants, but also to all those who participate and collaborate, often on a voluntary and passionate basis, so that our Rali da Madeira is always a success,

I wish you an excellent rally and express my personal and heartfelt gratitude for everything you give to this sport.

Cristina Pedra

Mayor of Funchal