August 2023

How is FIA European Rally Trophy?

Rali Vinho da Madeira is part of the FIA European Rally Trophy, a competition established by the FIA, the international motor racing federation, which underwent a major remodelling in 2023. The number of events has been greatly reduced and the calendar now features 19 races, with a maximum limit of 2 for each country. So far the rallies have been held in Valasska (Czechia), Terras d'Aboboreira (Portugal), Ain Jura and Antibes (France), Cesky Krumlov (Czechia), Chablais (Switzerland), INA Delta (Croatia), Donegal (Ireland) and Weiz (Austria). The second half of the season includes the rallies Vinho da Madeira (Portugal), Rzeszow (Poland), Ulster and Ceredigion (United Kingdom), Bulgaria, Slask (Poland), Serbia, Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Valais (Switzerland) and Lausitz (Germany). The new formula for this trophy, which is intended to be a hinge between the national championships and the ERC and WRC, provides for a revised scoring system in which points are awarded according to the number of competitors present in each of the classes at a race. This could allow a driver with a Rally4 car to beat an opponent with a more competitive Rally2 car in the final classification. That's exactly what's happening at the moment, as the Czech Rene Dohnal is in the lead of the trophy, with a Peugeot 208 Rally4 that has scored points in the two rallies held in his country and also in Croatia and Austria. In second place is Spain's Edgar Vigo Lopez, who drives a car identical to the leader and whose points tally comes from his participation in the Terras d'Aboboreira, Ain Jura, INA Delta and Weiz rallies. Third are the Czechs Jan Kopecky and David Stefan, with the sum achieved in the two races held in their home country. Classification: 1st Rene Dohnal, 294; 2nd Edgar Vigo Lopez, 177; 3rd Jan Kopecky and David Stefan, 162; 5th Nikola Mishev, 159; 6th Karel Trojan, 102; 7th Kevin Marzolo, 96. 198 drivers are classified.

Grandstands sold out for Special Stage 1 "Cidade do Funchal"

Rali Vinho da Madeira Organising Committee informs that the grandstand tickets to watch the 1st Special Stage - Cidade do Funchal are sold out. Despite the reinforcement of seats, with the placement of more benches, the demand for tickets exceeded all expectations. Therefore, in the name of the safety of the rally, the Organisation requests on the public to move in advance to the respective benches, whose seats are not numbered, and each ticket corresponds to a single seat. We also request that the public is not accompanied by pets. We ask for everyone's understanding and collaboration to make RVM 2023 the Rally Party.

Spica and Stella are help from heaven

New technologies are increasingly shaping rallies, their format and various procedures. In the technological field, GPS has been a very important tool for teams and organisers for some years now, especially in the field of safety. Rali Vinho da Madeira uses the Spica and Stella systems, GPS and communication services whose equipment and software were developed by the Spanish company Anube. Spica was used in the reconnaissance, which has been used in the regional championship of the sport. This system allows the positioning of vehicles to be known at all times, as well as checking the speed reached and respect for road traffic rules. Infractions may be penalised in monetary terms as well as through a sporting sanction. In the rally itself and in the competition vehicles, Stella will be used, a system in force in the Portuguese Rally Championship, which allows greater precision in positioning, namely through the placement of a dedicated antenna. In addition, the system allows for numerous communication capabilities between the race direction and the competitors, in both directions. The rally's security vehicles also use a localisation system. More information can be found here.

Many thousands of fans at the Autograph Session

Rally Week has begun and with it came the first event of the great party that is the Rali Vinho da Madeira. In the first public act of the 64th edition of the Club Sports da Madeira organisation, many thousands of fans and supporters went to the Madeira Casino for the unmissable autograph session, which was extended well beyond its scheduled end time due to the popularity and number of attendees. In a unique convivial atmosphere, kids and adults did not miss the opportunity to chat, get memorable autographs, take home much appreciated gifts or just take the inevitable selfie with the entire caravan of an edition that is expected to be competitive and anthological. Faced with the surprise of foreign pilots with the magnitude of the event, several federative leaders also highlighted what, in the national and international panorama, is a unique moment and the age range of its audience. Photo gallery here

There are checks tomorrow

As the 64th edition of Rali Vinho Madeira approaches, emotions intensify in what is the Rally Week. Tomorrow, Wednesday, August 2nd, competitors will continue to check the roads to be prepared by the Club Sports da Madeira organisation. Between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., driving can be made through the 1st special stages, Campo de Golfe, Palheiro Ferreiro and Cidade de Santana, and also, from 10:15 p.m. Cidade do Funchal, the show stage on Thursday afternoon in the downtown of the host city. Tomorrow will also see the initial documentary and technical checks. In the documentary checks, to be held from 5 p.m. in Praça do Mar, all legal aspects related to the team and its vehicle are controlled with the validation of the documents of these elements. The initial technical checks begin 15 minutes later at Pier 6 of the Port of Funchal and, there, mechanical issues and the road legality of the vehicles are verified.

Rally Special Stages: Rosário

By Pedro Calado, co-driver "It is the traditional and most beautiful special stage of the Rally, always very crowded and requiring a lot of driving, especially on the descent from Encumeada. Initial part, very fast, wide and good driving until the top of Encumeada, always climbing. It can be wet here. From the top of Encumeada to Serra d'Água, we have the most spectacular and classic descent of the RVM, passing by the INN, with a lot of skill and speed, where cold blood is decisive. The descent of Encumeada is spectacular. Perfect to see, relive and ask for more. Good ground and attention to the initial part of the climb, especially if it is wet or humid. At times we experienced two completely different climates: before and after the top of Encumeada! The second pass is a Power Stage, which leaves an extra reason for interest. An excellent way to finish an outstanding rally."

Pirelli supports Acreditar at Rali Vinho da Madeira

Pirelli, represented by the company Q&F, establishes in this edition of Rali Vinho da Madeira partnership to support Acreditar, an association of parents and friends of children with cancer. In addition to the usual presence in the assistance park of the race organised by Club Sports da Madeira, the brand is developing several initiatives within the scope of the support granted. There will be co-drives with several young people in racing cars, the brand will be present at the autograph session and will also offer Acreditar different merchandising to be offered to those who donate to the association.

Regional Health Secretary issues recommendations to attend Rali Vinho da Madeira safely

"From 3rd to 5th August, the Region is the setting for the emblematic motor racing event Rali Vinho Madeira. In order to enjoy this event safely, the Regional Health Secretary (DRS) advises: - Respect the indications of the organisation and the security forces. Stay in a safe place and avoid unnecessary risks. - Remember that you don't need alcoholic drinks to have fun. If you do drink alcohol, do so in moderation and do not drive. - Wear a hat, sunglasses (with UVA and UVB protection) and apply sunscreen (minimum factor 30). Protect yourself from the sun and avoid sunburn. - Drink water throughout the day, even when you are not thirsty. Prevent dehydration and other effects of intense heat. - Sanitise your hands frequently. If you don't have soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. Keep your hands clean and prevent the transmission of diseases. - Transport food and/or meals safely using cooler bags or suitcases with ice cube trays. Avoid using sauces such as mayonnaise and cream. - If you go to the mountains, wear suitable footwear and clothing. - If you make fires, use only the proper places for this purpose and make sure you put out the fire before leaving the place. - Keep children under constant surveillance. Even when supervised, excitement, high crowds and unfamiliar locations create unpredictability and opportunities for accidents. Anticipate and prevent accidents. - At all times, have fun, responsibly!"    

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