What Is 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira was the 48th edition of the rally, held from May 13–15, 2010, on the island of Madeira, Portugal. It was the fifth round of the 2010 Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) season, won by Belgian driver Freddy Loix.

Key Facts

The 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira took place from May 13–15, 2010, spanning 397.6 km with 21 special stages.
Freddy Loix won the event driving a Škoda Fabia S2000, securing his second consecutive victory in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC).
The rally was the fifth round of the 2010 IRC season, attracting top European rally drivers and teams.
Average speeds exceeded 90 km/h on mountainous tarmac roads, known for their technical difficulty and elevation changes.
Andreas Mikkelsen finished second, while Juho Hänninen took third, both driving factory-backed S2000 cars.

Overview

The 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira was a pivotal event in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) calendar, drawing elite rally drivers to the rugged terrain of Madeira, Portugal. Held from May 13 to 15, 2010, the rally covered a total distance of 397.6 kilometers, including 21 special stages on narrow, winding tarmac roads with steep gradients and unpredictable weather.

As the fifth round of the 2010 IRC season, it offered crucial points for championship contenders and showcased high-speed competition in one of Europe’s most scenic yet challenging rally environments. The event’s name, 'Vinho da Madeira,' honors the island’s famous fortified wine, reflecting local culture and heritage.

Duration: The rally spanned three days, from May 13–15, with competitive stages run daily under FIA regulations.
Location: Based on the island of Madeira, Portugal, the rally utilized mountainous roads near Funchal with elevation changes exceeding 1,000 meters.
Winner:Freddy Loix, representing the Škoda Motorsport team, claimed victory in a Škoda Fabia S2000, finishing with a 37.8-second lead.
Special Stages: The event featured 21 special stages totaling 137.6 km of competitive driving, embedded within the overall 397.6 km route.
Championship Impact: The result strengthened Loix’s position in the IRC standings, marking his second win in a row after the 2010 Monte Carlo Rally.

How It Works

The Rali Vinho da Madeira follows the standard format of international tarmac rallies, combining speed, precision, and endurance over multiple stages with service park regroupings. Drivers compete against the clock, with cumulative times determining the winner after all stages are completed.

Special Stages: These are timed sections of closed public roads where drivers race at maximum speed; in 2010, they totaled 137.6 competitive kilometers.
Tarmac Surface: The rally is run entirely on paved mountain roads, requiring sticky tires and precise handling due to sharp turns and variable grip.
Co-Driver Role: Navigators read pace notes aloud, detailing upcoming corners and hazards, which is critical on unfamiliar, complex routes.
Service Parks: Teams had access to 45-minute service windows between stages to repair damage, change tires, or adjust suspension settings.
Time Controls: Drivers must arrive at checkpoints within strict time windows; arriving early or late results in time penalties.
FIA Regulations: The event was sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) under Super 2000 and Group R regulations for safety and fairness.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top finishers in the 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira:

Position	Driver	Co-Driver	Car	Time
1	Freddy Loix	Frédéric Micron	Škoda Fabia S2000	2:36:12.6
2	Andreas Mikkelsen	Anders Jæger	Peugeot 207 S2000	2:36:50.4
3	Juho Hänninen	Mikko Markkula	Ford Fiesta S2000	2:37:28.1
4	Jan Kopecký	Petr Starý	Škoda Fabia S2000	2:38:10.3
5	Bryan Bouffier	Denis Giraudet	Peugeot 207 S2000	2:39:15.7

The tight margins between competitors highlight the high level of competition; the top five were separated by less than four minutes. The dominance of S2000-spec cars underscores the technical parity in the IRC, where driver skill and reliability were decisive.

Why It Matters

The 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira had lasting significance in the rally world, influencing driver standings and showcasing emerging talent. Its challenging conditions served as a benchmark for tarmac rally performance.

Championship Momentum: Freddy Loix’s win solidified his status as a top IRC contender, narrowing the gap in the overall title race.
Emerging Talent: Andreas Mikkelsen’s second-place finish signaled his arrival on the international stage before moving to the WRC.
Manufacturer Exposure: Škoda and Peugeot gained valuable marketing and engineering data from high-stress competition.
Island Economy: The rally boosted tourism and local business, with an estimated 30,000 spectators attending over the weekend.
Safety Innovations: The event featured improved barriers and medical response protocols, setting new standards for island-based rallies.
Legacy: The 2010 edition is remembered for its close racing and dramatic weather shifts, influencing future route planning and car setups.

The 2010 Rali Vinho da Madeira remains a standout event in IRC history, combining sporting excellence with cultural celebration and technical challenge on one of the world’s most demanding rally stages.