Luís Pimentel, president of the Grupo Desportivo Comercial (GDC), launched an appeal for the Azores flag to return to the timed sections of the Volta à Ilha de São Miguel by Azores Rallye. The official intends for this regional symbol to be present on a regular basis again in the event, which this year reaches its 59th edition.
The Azores flag was over the years a characteristic presence in the most iconic stages of the rally, becoming part of the event's visual identity. However, its use has been gradually diminishing recently.
Pimentel's appeal comes in the context of the preparation of the next edition of the event, which continues to be one of the most important sporting events in the regional calendar. The GDC, as the organizer, thus seeks to recover traditional elements that contributed to the uniqueness of the competition.
The challenge launched by the president aims to re-establish a practice that the organizers consider important for the promotion of the region and for the connection between the sporting event and Azorean identity.
