Leader Simone Campedelli is out of the 2024 Madeira Wine Rally.
Much to everyone’s surprise, after the end of the last stage of the day, in Santana, information emerged that the Italian driver had been considered a withdrawal at the end of the 2nd Section.
According to the notification from the Commissaires’ Board, there is a breach of compliance on a connecting section. “Having received a report from the FPAK Technical Delegate regarding vehicle no. 10 (Simone Campedelli/Tania Canton) stating that it had driven on a connecting section after PEC 4, failing to comply with Art. 34.1.5 of the RRSR which states “a competition car may only be driven on four complete wheels including tyres. Any vehicle that fails to comply with this article will be considered to have withdrawn in accordance with Art. 54”, the document reads, adding that the competitor is therefore considered to have withdrawn.
However, the race director, Pedro Melvill Araújo, clarifies in the notification that the team “may restart the 2nd Stage in accordance with Art. 54 of the RRSR”, that is, the so-called Super Rally. In any case, the 38-year-old driver, who had a 14.3-second advantage, will no longer be able to fight for the much-desired champion title.
It should also be noted that the competitor “is reminded of the right to protest”.
If this situation continues, which is likely to cause a lot of controversy, the leadership of the emblematic Madeiran motor racing event will go to the Spaniard Diego Ruiloba.