Club Sports da Madeira and the Regional Government of Madeira formally signed the programme agreement on Wednesday, securing support for the 2026 edition of Rali da Madeira, which will take place between 30^th July and 1^st August.

The ceremony took place at the Club Sports da Madeira headquarters and was attended by the Regional Secretary for the Economy, José Manuel Rodrigues, and the President of the Madeira Rally Organising Committee, José Paulo Fontes.

On the occasion, José Paulo Fontes emphasised that the signing of this programme agreement marks the formal start of preparations for the next edition of the rally, highlighting the importance of the Regional Government’s institutional support for the continuity of an event that is a highlight of Madeira’s sporting calendar and one of the region’s main promotional tools. “The Regional Government’s support enables us to keep this organisation alive and maintain the standard of excellence we all want for Rali da Madeira, whilst upholding Madeira’s image and prestige,” he said.

He also emphasised that government support goes far beyond the financial aspect, also encompassing a significant range of logistical and operational resources that are essential to organising the event. During his speech, José Paulo Fontes revealed some details of the 2026 edition, which will feature around 200 kilometres of special stages spread over three days of competition, covering several municipalities in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The President of the Organising Committee also highlighted the economic returns associated with the event, noting that studies indicate a promotional value of around 11 million euros, reinforcing the role of Rali da Madeira as a platform for promoting Madeira as a destination on the international stage.

For his part, the Regional Secretary for the Economy, José Manuel Rodrigues, highlighted the economic and regional significance of the event, noting that it is one of the region’s most important sporting events, “generating direct and indirect impacts on the regional economy, particularly in the hospitality, catering, transport, retail and services sectors”, he said.

The minister also emphasised that the event plays a key role in enhancing the region’s profile, by bringing economic activity and visibility to various municipalities across Madeira, adding that it is an event whose returns fully justify the investment made. The organisers are already working on the 2026 edition, with the aim of once again delivering a first-class event capable of meeting the expectations of teams, drivers, sponsors, institutional partners and the thousands of fans who follow Rali da Madeira every year.