The 71st Macau Grand Prix, which occurred 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 widespread 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, may 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 have been younger, they achieved the milestone of racing and successful in Macau. Now it’s the flip of the following era and this is essential. The Guia Circuit can be a particular monitor, probably the greatest 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 have been again on the streets of Macau in 2023 due to the joint efforts of the FIA, Car Normal 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 have 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 have been devoted to motor sport.”
The return in 2023 was as important this 12 months because it was when the Macau Grand Prix turned 70.
“The Macau Grand Prix is one in all our largest 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’s additionally a whole lot of tradition in Macau, between western and japanese, it’s a particular place. The Grand Prix is one in all our greatest occasions, however we even have another wonderful occasions. We try to construct Macau as a metropolis of sport, however we’ll proceed to develop the Macau Grand Prix and make it sustainable as probably the greatest motor sport occasions on the earth.”
Gomes continued: “Macau could be very distinctive with various kinds 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 potentialities for native designers, entrepreneurs, they’ll all cooperate with the Grand Prix. And you’ve got the lodges 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 folks from mainland China who didn’t beforehand find out about motor sport. A number of the well-known manufacturers from China like Lynk & Co have joined the FIA TCR World Tour, which races in Macau. It is a optimistic technique 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 massively essential, based on Gomes.
“The museum is completely incredible, an exquisite 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 successful the FIA World Touring Automobile Championship in Macau. It’s my dream automotive really and the museum is without doubt one of 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 12 months by 12 months with all the time one thing new occurring, it’s fantastic.”
