Giandomenico Basso, at the wheel of a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, retains the lead in Rali da Madeira despite having lost ground to his closest rivals on the first special stage of the third section. On the second run through Santo da Serra, the fastest time was set by Armindo Araújo in a car identical to the leader’s. Following this timed stage, Miguel Nunes, in another Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, retains second place but is now 0.4 seconds off the lead.

João Silva, in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2, has also reduced his deficit and is now 6.8 seconds behind the leader. Armindo Araújo and Alexandre Camacho remain in the immediate positions behind, both in Skoda Fabia RS Rally2s. The competitors are now heading for the second stage through Palheiro Ferreiro, the longest special stage of the event, before returning to the service park in Funchal.