Rali da Madeira safety measures proved effective without requiring intervention

The 67th edition of Rali da Madeira concluded with a very positive safety record; the operation was carried out without the need to deploy emergency response teams at any point during the event. Although their intervention was never required, emergency resources remained constantly prepared to handle any eventuality, ensuring a high level of readiness throughout the three days of competition. Responsible spectator behaviour was also crucial to the operation's success. The thousands of fans following the rally respected the instructions given by security forces, course marshals, and organizers, helping the event proceed safely and without significant incidents. In this edition, the use of drones once again proved to be a valuable tool for supporting security operations. Aerial footage allowed for real-time monitoring of various situations along the route—such as cars going off-road—facilitating immediate assessment of incidents and aiding team coordination on the ground to ensure a rapid, effective response. The coordination among the organisers, security forces, firefighters, medical teams, marshals, and other involved entities ensured a high level of preparedness and coordination, reinforcing Rali da Madeira ‘s commitment to the safety of drivers, teams, Marshalls, and the public. The outcome is clearly positive, demonstrating that planning, prevention, and the collaboration of all stakeholders remain essential factors for the success of one of the major sporting events held in the Autonomous Region of Madeira.

Rali da Madeira gives back Funchal to normality

Following the conclusion of the 67th edition of Rali da Madeira, a major operation has been underway over the last few days to dismantle all the temporary infrastructure installed in Funchal city centre, allowing public spaces to return to normal use. A total of 25 staff members were involved in this final phase of the event, ensuring the removal of the grandstands, technical structures, support equipment and other materials used during the event. The Rally Office, which had been operating for several days at Funchal’s Gare Marítima as the event’s operational centre, was also dismantled, allowing that space to resume its usual activities. The podium set up for the official ceremonies was also dismantled, marking the end of the city’s temporary transformation into a venue for international competition. The operation was carried out swiftly and in a coordinated manner, ensuring that the main areas occupied by the event were left completely clear and clean, allowing residents, shopkeepers and visitors to once again enjoy the public spaces as normal. Beyond the moments of competition, Rali da Madeira is also committed to respecting the region that hosts it. The dismantling of the infrastructure and the restoration of public spaces represent the final stage of a process involving dozens of professionals and volunteers, bringing yet another edition of the event to a close with the city returned to its citizens.

How the championships turned out

The competition and results of Rali da Madeira have led to some changes in the standings for both the Portuguese and Madeiran rally championships. CPR: 1st Rúben Rodrigues, 100; 2nd Pedro Almeida, 80; 3rd Armindo Araújo, 67; 4th Ricardo Teodósio, 54; 5th Pedro Meireles, 51; 6th José Pedro Fontes, 48; 7th Gonçalo Henriques, 45; 8th Diogo Martins, 32; 9th Hugo Lopes, 24; 10th João Barros, 22. A total of 35 drivers are ranked. CRCM: 1st Miguel Nunes, 140; 2nd João Silva, 124; 3rd Gil Freitas, 74; 4th Artur Quintal, 67; 5th Miguel Caires, 57; 6th José Camacho, 46; 7th Alexandre Camacho, 45; 8th Rui Pinto, 36; 9th Rui Jorge Fernandes, 34; 10th Emanuel Martins, 20. A total of 62 drivers are ranked.

Race4Planet steps up environmental efforts at Rali da Madeira by collecting plastic tape

Race4Planet – Sustainable Events expanded its environmental initiatives at Rali da Madeira this year by taking on—for the first time—the task of collecting the plastic tape used to mark the Special Stages. This new responsibility is part of the event's Environmental Sustainability Plan, an initiative the team has been supporting since previous editions. Over the course of the three-day competition—including the Shakedown—the environmental team covered approximately 500 kilometres across the various rally stages, ensuring the material was collected immediately after the competitors passed through. By the end of the operation, between 230 and 250 kilograms of plastic tape had been collected. This effort allowed the stages to be restored to their natural state quickly and systematically, helping to reduce the event's environmental impact. Incorporating this service marks another step in strengthening Rali da Madeira’s sustainability practices, reflecting the organisation's ongoing commitment to protecting the local environment and adopting measures that promote increasingly responsible environmental management. The work carried out by Race4Planet highlights the importance of environmental considerations in organising major sporting events, demonstrating that nature preservation and high-level competition can go hand in hand.  

João Rodrigues won in the two-wheel drive category.

João Rodrigues came to Madeira to strengthen his lead in the national championship for two-wheel-drive cars. Driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4—a model that swept the top five spots in this category—the Lisbon-based driver finished 15.9 seconds ahead of the runner-up, having secured the highest number of stage wins during the rally. Pedro Câmara made his debut in Madeira, improving his performance as he adapted to the asphalt and the unique characteristics of this specific event. The young Azorean driver finished second in the category after setting the fastest times on several special stages. Local drivers Sandro Teixeira and Martim Nunes took the next positions, followed by Hélder Miranda, who was also competing on the island for the first time.

Gil Freitas won RGT and Masters

Gil Freitas secured a commanding victory in the RGT class, a category in which he was the only driver to finish unscathed, as his rivals retired during either the first or second leg. The Alpine A110 RGT+ driver also topped the regional Masters competition, finishing more than two minutes ahead of the runner-up, José Camacho, who was driving a Skoda Fabia R5. Rui Pinto, driving a Skoda Fabia Rally2 Evo, rounded out the podium in this category for older drivers.

Miguel Nunes won the 67 Edition of Rali da Madeira

Miguel Nunes, teaming up with João Paulo Fernandes, is the winner of the 67th edition of Rali da Madeira, organised by Club Sports da Madeira and held between 30th July and 1st August. The Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver took the lead on the morning of the second of the three days of competition and never relinquished it, finishing 31.3 seconds ahead of his closest rivals. João Silva, in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, briefly moved into third place but spent most of the time in second position, behind several rivals, where he finished the event. Armindo Araújo, also in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, was at one point in contention for second place overall but ultimately focused on the national championship standings, a competition in which he secured the points equivalent to a victory. Miguel Caires, in an identical car, put in a steadily improving performance and finished the rally in fourth place after overtaking Rúben Rodrigues, a driver who had done well in Madeira to defend his lead in the CPR. The top ten finishers also included Pedro Almeida, Ricardo Teodósio, Hugo Lopes, Pedro Meireles and Diogo Marujo. Winner of the last two editions of the rally, Spain’s Diego Ruiloba was never able to get the best out of his Citroën C3 Rally2 and finished outside the top ten, whilst Britain’s Kris Meeke, chasing his first victory on the island, lost a great deal of time due to the aftermath of a collision on the opening special stage of the second day of competition. With his Toyota GR Yaris now repaired, he failed to win just one of the timed stages. A four-time winner of the event, the Italian Giandomenico Basso was in the lead but was forced to retire due to a fractured vertebra sustained on the ‘landing’ of a jump in his Škoda Fabia RS Rally2.

Miguel Nunes is the Winner of Rali da Madeira

Miguel Nunes, from Madeira, teaming up with João Paulo Fernandes in a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, is the winner of the 67th edition of Rali da Madeira, organised by Club Sports da Madeira, which took place over the last three days. Also from the island, João Silva, with co-driver Luis Rodrigues in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, finished second, 31.3 seconds behind the winner, following a thrilling battle with Armindo Araújo and Luis Ramalho in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 that provided the highlight of much of the second stage. The event was marked by problems encountered by the foreign drivers, who were also considered favourites.

The teams taking part in the 2026 Rali da Madeira have risen to the challenge of sustainability!

The recycling points set up in the service areas are fulfilling their purpose. So far, the following have been collected: * 75 litres of engine, gearbox and lubricating oils; * 25 litres of brake fluid; * 300 ml of antifreeze; * 13 containers contaminated with hazardous substances; * 4 used oil filters; * Around 500 g of contaminated rags and absorbent materials. All this waste will subsequently be sent to a licensed operator, ensuring it is treated appropriately and helping to prevent contamination of the soil and water resources. These results demonstrate that the teams are making use of the recycling points provided at the 2026 Rali da Madeira, adopting good environmental practices and contributing to a more responsible and sustainable event.

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