The 2024 Azores Rally Championship delivered a thrilling season finale, spanning four islands and five intense rallies. Emerging victorious once again was Rúben Rodrigues, who claimed his second consecutive championship title, cementing his legacy as a three-time Azores Rally Champion. Driving a Škoda Fabia RS Rally2, Rodrigues, alongside co-driver António Costa, displayed dominant form throughout the season, winning three of the five events.
The season not only marked Rodrigues’ reign but also celebrated António Costa’s first regional championship victory in his debut season as co-driver for Auto Açoreana Racing. Meanwhile, the competition’s 2-wheel-drive (2RM) division crowned Rafael Botelho as the 2024 champion, adding another title to his career after last holding the crown in 2017. His navigator, Rui Raimundo, achieved his first-ever Azores 2RM championship, sealing an impressive campaign by winning three rallies.
Rodrigues and Costa dominate the final round
The final rally of the season, the XIII Picowines Rally, proved decisive. Rodrigues and Costa topped five of the nine stages, securing the event win with a time of 37m 42.4s. This victory not only confirmed Rodrigues as the 2024 Azores Rally Champion but also secured Auto Açoreana Racing the top step on the podium. Costa added this new regional title to his illustrious career, achieving a championship victory that had previously eluded him.
Rego and Janela: Championship heartbreak in the final stage
The season’s climax was a fierce battle between Rodrigues and his closest rivals, Luís Rego and José Janela of Team Além Mar. Driving a Škoda Fabia Rally2 evo, Rego and Janela kept the pressure on throughout the rally. They snatched the lead in SS07 Workshop 1 after Rodrigues suffered a puncture, giving them a narrow 2.4-second advantage heading into the final stage.
However, disaster struck in the closing moments. The duo crashed in the final stage, handing victory to Rodrigues and Costa and dashing their hopes of a championship win. Rego and Janela’s impressive campaign included two rally wins earlier in the season, but the championship slipped from their grasp in the final meters.
Botelho and Raimundo shine in 2RM Class
In the 2-wheel-drive (2RM) category, Rafael Botelho and Rui Raimundo showcased their prowess behind the wheel of a Peugeot 208 Rally4. Competing for Team Lotus in their debut season, the pair delivered a strong performance in the Picowines Rally, finishing with a time of 42m 19.6s.
Though they faced stiff competition throughout the day, a penalty to their main rivals allowed them to clinch victory in the 2RM category, capping a successful season with another win. Their efforts earned Botelho the 2RM regional champion title, reclaiming the crown he last held in 2017, while Raimundo secured his first 2RM championship.
Moniz and Diniz: Penalty frustrates podium push
Returning to full-time competition, Henrique Moniz and Jorge Diniz also impressed in a Peugeot 208 Rally4, delivering a remarkable Saturday performance on the island of Pico. The duo mounted a spirited charge, recovering lost time to challenge for the top spot in the 2RM category.
Unfortunately, their podium hopes were dashed by a 40-second penalty, leaving them 25.5 seconds shy of the win. Despite the setback, Moniz and Diniz’s performance reaffirmed their competitiveness in the championship and secured them second place among non-all-wheel-drive competitors.
Marques and Silva: A tough season for former champions
For Filipe Marques and Edgar Silva, the 2024 season was a challenging one. Despite maintaining a strong pace throughout the year, the pair, driving a Peugeot 208 R2, struggled to match the performance of their rivals. Having won the 2RM regional title in 2023, they found themselves outpaced by newer and faster machinery in 2024. Marques and Silva finished the Picowines Rally third in the 2RM class, trailing the leaders by 1m 17.0s.
A championship decided in the final meters
The 2024 Azores Rally Championship will be remembered as one of the most competitive in recent history. Every battle for the championship titles—both in the overall and 2RM categories—was fought until the very last stage. With thrilling duels, late-stage drama, and unexpected retirements, the championship embodied the spirit of rallying, where nothing is certain until the final meter.
Final Results: XIII Picowines Rally
01: Rúben Rodrigues / António Costa (Škoda Fabia RS Rally2) – 37m 42.4s
02: Rafael Botelho / Rui Raimundo (Peugeot 208 Rally4) + 4m 37.2s
03: Henrique Moniz / Jorge Diniz (Peugeot 208 Rally4) + 5m 02.7s
Champions crowned in 2024 Azores Rally Championship
- Overall Champion: Rúben Rodrigues
- Co-Driver Champion: António Costa
- 2RM Champion: Rafael Botelho
- 2RM Co-Driver Champion: Rui Raimundo
With this latest victory, Rúben Rodrigues joins the elite ranks of the Azores Rally’s multiple champions. Meanwhile, Costa’s debut season with Auto Açoreana Racing has proven to be a resounding success, adding a new accolade to his already extensive career achievements.
The success of Botelho and Raimundo in the 2RM class reflects the depth of competition in the championship, underscoring the importance of consistency, speed, and resilience in pursuit of rally glory.
Looking ahead to 2025
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, the Azores Rally Championship leaves fans with unforgettable moments and fierce rivalries. With fresh talent emerging and seasoned drivers returning, the stage is set for another thrilling year of rallying in the Azores.
Congratulations to all the competitors, teams, and champions who made this season one to remember. The 2024 Azores Rally Championship proved once again why rallying remains one of the most captivating motorsports—where every second counts, and champions are made in the toughest conditions.
Stay tuned for more action in 2025!