Rúben Rodrigues returns to Rali da Madeira in the Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 and aims to “build on what we’ve been doing in the national championship and secure maximum points. It’s a tough event, one I’m still not entirely familiar with, but I hope to achieve a good result. Madeira is always tricky, with very technical and demanding special stages, but we hope to be more competitive than in 2025. We were in Calheta and it was an excellent test; the changes were positive and we’ve taken a step forward. I want to honour the sponsors who have helped us with this very complicated project to put together.”

The Auto Açoreana driver is 41 years old and made his rallying debut in 2009 at the wheel of a Citroën Saxo Cup. He has built his entire driving career from the ground up, and in 2018 and 2019 he was crowned Azorean two-wheel-drive champion at the wheel of a Peugeot 208 R2 and a Peugeot 208 Rally4. In 2021, he switched to a Citroën C3 Rally2, securing his first victory and also his first overall regional title. He would go on to become champion again in 2023 and 2024 with two versions of the Škoda Fabia, the Rally2 Evo and the RS Rally2. In 2025, he ‘moved’ to the national championship and demonstrated on several occasions the speed he had already shown in the neighbouring archipelago. This year he is driving the same car and, with a string of good results, is the leader of the CPR.