A very special night was experienced by those present at the Iberostar Anthelia in Costa Adeje last night in the presence of authorities, sponsors, collaborators, pilots, volunteers, officials, federation presidents and presided over by the Adeje Mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga and the president of the RFEDA, Manuel Aviño. This was also an emotional start to the year’s event, with a dedication to our ‘doctor’, Atanás Iliev, who sadly died on April 17th, and who received the biggest round of applause for his huge contribution to the Adeje team’s work, (R.I.P.)

This was a presentation with a lot of new additions and news about the staging of what will be the 1st Inter-island and Provincial Championship, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the 2nd Asphalt Canarian Championship, the 4th Spanish Championship and a pre-inspection for inclusion in the European Rally Trophy.

New additions included the collaboration of ‘Tiempos Online-com’ directed by Juan José Llanos, bringing new work tools to the competition, offering much more information to the pilots arriving at Control Stop; the organisation and chronometers are of better quality allowing for improved time-keeping and this will be reflected in the new screens in the departure ceremony and the departure and arrival screen points.

Other news for 2018 will see virtual visualisation, an application for the Rally in Spanish and English, a web with up-to-the minute information, television and radio online during the rally and a security detail with more than 850 people involved to guarantee the proper management
of this very important event for the Canaries.

There were emotional words in memory of Iliev, words for the fans who are a crucial part of the good management of the rally, working under the banner, “A SAFE RALLY IS A GOOD RALLY”. Mayors and councillors present spoke of the pride they felt, there were words of gratitude for the automobile association of Chana-Isora (South-west) and for all those who have played some part in the growth of this Rally.

There were prize draws, thanks to the Adeje Town Hall and the Adeje Villa team, with a gift of free registration raffled among the drivers present at the inauguration, presented by the Adeje sports councillor, Adolfo Alonso, won by Claudio Vargas, and two prizes of BP cards (€50 and €100) presented by BP’s Juan Cobián.

Closing the inauguration Manual Aviño, president of the RFEDA, stressed again the importance of security and the steps being made by the Adeje team in the inclusion in the Spanish championship and achieving pre-inspection for the European Rally Trophy. Finally the Mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga spoke of his pride at the work done by the team, the support of the South Tenerife Town Halls and above all how the rally has grown in stature year after year to become one of the most important events in the borough.

The Adeje team wishes to take this opportunity to express its gratitude for the help and support received from the Iberostar chain and the staff of the Iberostar Anthelia in mounting this presentation.

And finally, our thoughts and feelings to the man who will be our guiding light and help us achieve our goals - forever in our hearts, Atanás Iliev, colleague and friend.