Nicolas Vouilloz, in Peugeot Belgiumīs 207 S2000, was fastest driver in the Avenida do Mar superspecial stage, the opening test of the Madeira Rally. Although he brushed the tyre barrier twice, the Frenchman set the best time of 1m33.3s ...
"It was a nice stage: I was amazed by the number of people," he said. "However, the superspecial doesn't mean much, so we'll see what happens during the proper stages tomorrow. I think it will be a very close fight."
In second place on the opening stage was well-known Italian Renato Travaglia, driving a Fiat Punto S2000, with a time of 1m34.8s. Although he was feeling unwell, Travaglia beat local hero Bruno Magalhaes (Peugeot Portugal), who was third-fastest in the stage.
Freddy Loix and Brice Tirabassi completed the top five, while IRC series joint leader Luca Rossetti was sixth for Peugeot Italy.
