Décio Perestrelo is setting off for Rali da Madeira with the aim of “getting back behind the wheel after the crash in Calheta and regaining confidence. We want to make the most of the event’s high media profile and enjoy this legendary rally. The year was going well for us, both in the Eng. Rafael Costa Trophy and in the RC5 group, but then the crash happened. I don’t think we’ll be that fast over the first few kilometres; we’ll get a feel for the car again and, later on, think about results. This is also an endurance rally, so we’ll see where we stand as the race progresses. Restoring the car is a process that’s still taking time, and we probably won’t be able to test it beforehand.”

Aged 29, the Renault Clio Rally5 driver began his career in 2025 driving this very model. From his debut in Santana, he proved to be one of the fastest drivers in his category, and it was only natural that he finished the year in third place in his class. In 2026, he once again achieved good results and was leading the Eng. Rafael Costa Trophy until the Calheta Rally, an event in which he suffered a violent crash that severely damaged his car, forcing a rushed repair ahead of the most important event on the calendar.