Kris Meeke returns to Rali da Madeira, once again behind the wheel of a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, and is "very happy to come back to the island, not just because of the rally, but everything that surrounds it – the natural beauty, the hospitality, and the weather. We are back with the same car and I make no secret of my ambition to win Rali da Madeira. I tried really hard last year, but we suffered a puncture. This year, we don’t have to worry about any championship standings, but it remains a massive challenge. It’s a huge rally, highly technical, specific, and unique, but we all know how difficult it is to beat those who live on the island and know the roads. That said, Diego Ruiloba won it over the last two years. I will do my absolute best, even though there are a few roads this year that I don’t know. I’m excited for the challenge."

Born in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, the 47-year-old British driver made his rally debut in 2000 in a Peugeot 106 GTi. Mentored by Colin McRae, he raced S1600 machinery in the JWRC between 2003 and 2006. He returned to the international spotlight in 2009 with Peugeot, driving the 207 S2000 to the IRC title. Between 2015 and 2019, he competed in the WRC representing Citroën and Toyota, securing 4 World Rally Championship victories. He was crowned national champion in 2024 with a Hyundai i20N Rally2, a championship in which he finished as vice-champion last year, already driving a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.