Simone Campedelli, driving a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, took the third and final day of Rali da Madeira to the attack, finishing fastest on the new Ponta do Sol Special Stage, which greatly pleased the leading drivers. The Italian beat Miguel Nunes by 3.7 seconds on an identical track, and João Silva in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 by 5.6 seconds. Silva, however, gained 1.7 seconds on his direct rival and rally leader, Spaniard Diego Ruiloba in a Citroën C3 Rally2.

The battle on the first run through Ponta do Sol changed the drivers in the top five and hints at a very competitive second stage. The 4th section of the race, held this morning, also includes the first runs through Calheta and Rosário before a regrouping and service park in Funchal.