The 71st Macau Grand Prix, which came about final November, not solely shone the highlight on motor sport’s future, it paid homage to the previous, on the identical time enjoying an essential function in selling the area of Macau itself
One of many highlights of the worldwide motor sport calendar, the Macau Grand Prix ushered in an thrilling new period with the inclusion of the FIA FR World Cup as its new flagship contest. An accessible and globally recognisable junior single-seater class proved simply as well-liked because the earlier regulation cycles with a packed grid that includes a number of up-and-coming abilities, System 1 groups proteges included.
“It’s the primary time we had the FIA FR World Cup in Macau and the younger drivers, the youngsters, might observe Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, two legends of the game,” mentioned President of the Sports activities Bureau of Macao SAR Authorities and Coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee Luís Gomes. “After they had been younger, they achieved the milestone of racing and successful in Macau. Now it’s the flip of the following technology and this is essential. The Guia Circuit can also be a particular monitor, among the finest on the planet with no margin for error, so it’s nice for them to be taught.”
Following three years of absence ensuing from the worldwide well being pandemic, FIA-sanctioned races had been again on the streets of Macau in 2023 because of the joint efforts of the FIA, Car Common Affiliation Macao-China (AAMC), Macau’s FIA Member Membership, and the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee.
“The pandemic was a tricky interval and plenty of issues had been held again all around the world, not solely motor sport,” Gomes mentioned. “The Grand Prix continued throughout the pandemic years. It was essential for the Grand Prix model as a result of we didn’t cease and we confirmed to the world we had been devoted to motor sport.”
The return in 2023 was as important this yr because it was when the Macau Grand Prix turned 70.
“The Macau Grand Prix is one in every of our greatest occasions, particularly when it comes to sport occasions,” Gomes mentioned. “It’s very symbolic and really historic, everybody is aware of the Macau Grand Prix. However there’s additionally a variety of tradition in Macau, between western and jap, it’s a particular place. The Grand Prix is one in every of our greatest occasions, however we even have another glorious occasions. We try to construct Macau as a metropolis of sport, however we are going to proceed to develop the Macau Grand Prix and make it sustainable as among the finest motor sport occasions on the planet.”
Gomes continued: “Macau could be very distinctive with various kinds of motor sport, with the motorbikes in addition to the races for automobiles. However the Macau Grand Prix is a platform for various cultural occasions, sports activities, the financial system, hospitality. There are potentialities for native designers, entrepreneurs, they will all cooperate with the Grand Prix. And you’ve got the resorts and different firms from completely different industries that may profit.
“The spectators come from all around the world to see the Macau Grand Prix and it’s changing into a brand new expertise for individuals from mainland China who didn’t beforehand learn about motor sport. Among the well-known manufacturers from China like Lynk & Co have joined the FIA TCR World Tour, which races in Macau. It is a constructive method to develop motor sport tradition in mainland China.”
In addition to the annual Grand Prix, Macau has its personal museum devoted to the occasion. It’s a must-see attraction and vastly essential, based on Gomes.
“The museum is totally unbelievable, a beautiful presentation of the historical past and the legend of the Grand Prix, but in addition how motor sport has modified. The BMW of Andy Priaulx is there, he was an idol for me successful the FIA World Touring Automobile Championship in Macau. It’s my dream automobile really and the museum is among the finest methods to coach the youthful ones on how Macau has developed and adjusted. It tells the story of Macau however the story continues yr by yr with at all times one thing new taking place, it’s great.”
