The duo Miguel Nunes and João Paulo, driving a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, has taken the lead in the Calheta Rally. They won the first special stage of the event, which took place on Friday night in the town of Calheta.
The reigning regional champions completed the double run through the stage in a total time of 3 minutes, 36.4 seconds. This was 1.7 seconds faster than Alexandre Camacho and Pedro Calado, who are also competing in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2.
Miguel Caires and Marco Macedo, also in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2, achieved the third-best time, 2.5 seconds behind the leader. Championship leaders João Silva and Luís Rodrigues (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2) had a more modest start to the race, securing fourth place. The fifth-best time went to Rúben Rodrigues and Rui Raimundo, in a Toyota GR Yaris Rally2.
The Calheta Rally will continue on Saturday with eight more special stages.
