João Silva heads into Rali da Madeira aiming to be "as competitive as possible. I’m going to focus on being as fast as I can and scoring the maximum number of points for the Madeira championship. If that focus allows me to fight for the win or a podium finish, that would be great. We’d like to be as competitive as we were in 2025, though we’re curious to see how this year plays out given the inevitable evolution of all the competitors. This edition of the rally features new elements and introduces new variables—not to mention the weather conditions awaiting us. Some of the changes may place new demands on certain mechanical components, particularly the brakes; we’re mindful of this, and it will require us to be even more efficient. My only regret is not receiving recognition from the FPAK, which affects my starting position."

Silva is 38 years old and began his rallying career in 2007 driving a Toyota Yaris. He spent many years developing his skills in front-wheel-drive cars and even competed in the WRC Academy in 2012 behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2. He was the Madeira Junior champion in 2009 and 2010, and the Two-Wheel Drive champion in 2023 driving a Peugeot 208 Rally4. He secured his first overall victory in 2017 in a Citroën DS3 R5. In 2025, he drove both the Škoda Fabia Rally2 Evo and the current Toyota GR Yaris Rally2. That same year, he battled for the overall win at Rali da Madeira right up to the final kilometres. A regional runner-up for the past two years, he has won three of the five rallies held so far this season and currently sits second in the championship standings.