Madeira contenders emerge on national round

Rali Vinho Madeira, round seven of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, might be several months in the offing but two drivers have already emerged as potential frontrunners on the island event.

Felipe Freitas and Vitor Sa took part on Rali Porto Santo recently, the opening round of the Madeira Rally Championship. Sa won at the wheel of a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 with Freitas finishing second in his Group N Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to claim class laurels.

Although the restricted technology incorporated into Freitas’ Lancer will make a challenge for overall victory on Rali Vinho Madeira highly unlikely against the might for the Super 2000 machines, the Madeira driver will be among the favourites to claim top honours in the new-for-2011 IRC Production Cup.

John Easton, whose UK-based MML Sports operation was responsible for building Freitas’ car, said: “I’m delighted that Felipe has picked up where he left off at the end of last year. Another class win is a perfect way to start the season.”

Rali Vinho Madeira runs from 4-6 August. Freddy Loix, driving a Škoda Fabia Super 2000, won last season’s event and is set to return to the island to chase a second victory this summer.