Diego Ruiloba returns to Rali da Madeira in a Citroën C3 Rally2, aiming to "win for the third time in a row. I am very happy to be back with Citroën; it’s a car that has brought me great joy and many victories, and I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel again. We know the local Madeiran drivers will be very fast, as will Basso, and Meeke will be pushing to the limit—it’s going to be flat-out from start to finish.

The rally features a new itinerary with special stages that are new to me, and they will certainly be very challenging. Some drivers will already have experience there, whereas we don’t. I want to thank my team and everyone who made it possible for me to be here. I am very proud to once again enjoy such a special event and to defend last year's victory."

Born in Asturias, the 25-year-old Spaniard made his debut in 2019 driving a Peugeot 208 1.2. In 2021, he switched to a Suzuki Swift and won the Spanish trophy dedicated to that model. The following year, at the wheel of a Peugeot 208 Rally4, he won the Peugeot Rally Cup Ibérica. Between 2023 and 2025, he represented Citroën in a C3 Rally2. He secured his first overall victories in 2024, and in 2025, he competed in several WRC events, though he also recorded a few retirements. In 2026, he is racing for Lancia and currently sits third in the Spanish Super Championship. He has won the last two editions of Rali da Madeira.