09.08.2016 The 2016 Tour European Rally is growing fast
The new TER series, has just staged its second round in Rali Vinho da Madeira before the fortcoming events of Skoda Rallye Liezen and Rallye International du Valais.
The innovative Championship, combining events of excellence with great tourism locations, is increasing its prestige and popularity after a great debut in Arad Rally.
Madeira saw a new milestone for the 2016 TER series: The total number of drivers registered for the 2016 Tour European Rally is now of 69, including all the top drivers in Rali Vinho da Madeira; José Pedro Fontes (2015 Portuguese Champion), Pedro Meireles, Miguel Campos, the strong local driver Alexandre Camacho, Miguel Barbosa, Ricardo Moura from Azores, Bruno Magalhães (4-time winner in Madeira), Miguel Nunes second in Madeira in 2014 and 2015, Italian Giacomo Costenaro, Frenchmen Robert Consani and Romain Dumas (Porsche works driver, Winner in 2016 of the Le Mans 24 Hours and Pikes Peak International Hill Climb), who will start with a Porsche 997 R-GT, the same car used by locals Filipe and Gil Freitas. The total number of drivers registered for the 2016 Tour European Rally is now of 69.
The TER Organisers staged some much-appreciated side events, such as the TER Best Chef contest, where drivers and organisers of TER Events each prepared a typical dish from their country, the most tasty one being voted by a jury of excellence including the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, Miguel Albuquerque, the Regional Secretary of Economy, Tourism and Culture, Eduardo Jesus, and the TER promoter.
The TER Rally Village, located next to the press room (within the complex of the CR7 Hotel, inaugurated last July by the Madeira-born Football star Cristiano Ronaldo) within the service area adjacent to the Superspecial stage in the town centre, helped the organisers of the series' rallies to promote both their territory and events, working together to maximise the promotional impact and possibilities for all the events and their tourist interest areas.
After two days of great rallying, which saw many close fights amongst the drivers on the fast island roads, José Pedro Fontes (Citroen DS3 R5) won Rali Vinho da Madeira after passing, on the final stage, ahead of local hero Alexandre Camacho who finished just 1” behind him, with Miguel Nunes in third. Bruno Magalhães who lead for most of the rally was handed, after the finish, a 35” second penalty for a problem on SS 18. The penalty demoted him from first to fourth. Bruno Magalhães appealed against the decision, and results are provisional waiting for the decision of the National Court of Appeal.
Frenchman Romain Dumas was 8th overall and for his maiden appearance on the island he took the 2WD honours and the win in the R-GT class with his Porsche 997 GT3, ahead of Gil Freitas with another Porsche. The trophy for the fastest “Under 25” driver went to Pedro Paixao (Opel Adam R2).
SS 8 – Cidade de Santana 2, was the TER Power Stage, chosen by the TER organisers before the start and awarding Championship points to the fastest three TER drivers. Alexandre Camacho (Peugeot 208 T16 R5) was fastest and secured the TER Power Stage winner trophy together with 3 points, while José Pedro Fontes was second and earned 2 points and Bruno Magalhães got 1 for third.
Alexandre Camacho, representing Madeira, whose dish was judged as the tastiest by the jury, was awarded the TER Best Chef Trophy at Rali Vinho da Madeira.
The provisional standings of the Tour European Rally after two rounds see Simone Tempestini (winner of Arad Rally) still in the lead, despite his absence in Madeira, with 33 points ahead of José Pedro Fontes (32) and Alexandre Camacho (28).
Standings are provisional waiting for the decision of the Portuguese National Court of Appeal.
The next round of the 2016 Tour European Rally will be Skoda Rallye Liezen, September 24th-25th.
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