The 71st Macau Grand Prix, which befell final November, not solely shone the highlight on motor sport’s future, it paid homage to the previous, on the identical time taking part in an vital position 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 fashionable 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 comply with 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. “Once they had been younger, they achieved the milestone of racing and profitable in Macau. Now it’s the flip of the subsequent era and this is essential. The Guia Circuit can also be a particular monitor, among the finest on the earth 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 due to the joint efforts of the FIA, Vehicle Normal Affiliation Macao-China (AAMC), Macau’s FIA Member Membership, and the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee.
“The pandemic was a troublesome interval and lots of issues had been held again all around the world, not solely motor sport,” Gomes mentioned. “The Grand Prix continued through the pandemic years. It was vital 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 vital this 12 months because it was when the Macau Grand Prix turned 70.
“The Macau Grand Prix is considered one of our greatest occasions, particularly by way of sport occasions,” Gomes mentioned. “It’s very symbolic and really historic, everybody is aware of the Macau Grand Prix. However there may be additionally a variety of tradition in Macau, between western and jap, it’s a particular place. The Grand Prix is considered one of our greatest occasions, however we even have another wonderful 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 earth.”
Gomes continued: “Macau may be very distinctive with several types of motor sport, with the motorbikes in addition to the races for vehicles. However the Macau Grand Prix is a platform for various cultural occasions, sports activities, the financial system, hospitality. There are prospects for native designers, entrepreneurs, they will all cooperate with the Grand Prix. And you’ve got the inns and different corporations 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. A few of the well-known manufacturers from China like Lynk & Co have joined the FIA TCR World Tour, which races in Macau. This can be a optimistic strategy 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 vital, in line with Gomes.
“The museum is totally unbelievable, a beautiful presentation of the historical past and the legend of the Grand Prix, but additionally how motor sport has modified. The BMW of Andy Priaulx is there, he was an idol for me profitable the FIA World Touring Automobile Championship in Macau. It’s my dream automobile really and the museum is likely one of the greatest methods to coach the youthful ones on how Macau has developed and altered. It tells the story of Macau however the story continues 12 months by 12 months with all the time one thing new occurring, it’s fantastic.”
