The Regional Secretary of Tourism and Transport said on Friday that the organisation of SATA Rallye Açores is "a clear demonstration that the Azorean people are able to overcome all adverse situations when urged to do so."

Vítor Fraga spoke to journalists during a visit to "Portas do Mar" in Ponta Delgada, which are the headquarters of the biggest motorsport event in the Region. The government official stressed that this rallye competition is a "clear demonstration of this determination, which will certainly continue in the future."

The Regional Secretary stressed that SATA's strike "brought some constraints to the event's organisation", but he considered that, above all, "it is now important to highlight the effort that has been undertaken to get this competition on the road."

"What we must now do is to maximise the projection of the Azores Destination internationally in order to enhance our external projection, promote the destination and increase tourism flows to the Region," added the government official.

With regard to SATA's strike, Vítor Fraga also assured that "SATA administration will remain committed to finding a solution that is acceptable to both parties, as it has done until now." Moreover, "the government official also guaranteed that "if an understanding about this situation fails to come, it will not be due to the lack of commitment or presentation of proposals."

Nevertheless, the Regional Secretary reminded that "this is a process that involves both parties and, as such, it will be always dependent on the willingness of both parties."

Vítor Fraga also mentioned the extensive media coverage of SATA Rallye Açores, including live broadcasts on various TV channels, stating that "the images are striking, leaving no one indifferent."

"We are immensely proud of what we are watching," said the government official.

As for the result of the competition, Vítor Fraga admitted that "he would be lying if he did not confess" his desire that Azorean pilot Ricardo Moura have an "excellent performance".

"If he won the competition, it would be very good; however, what he is doing and has done so far already makes us proud and fill us with a great hope that he will achieve a good result," stated the Regional Secretary.