Known for being the only street circuit racing event in which both motorcycle and car races are held, the 63rd Macau Grand Prix kicks off on Thursday in Macau.
Officially named the Suncity Group 63rd Macau Grand Prix, in July a title sponsorship agreement was signed between the Sports Bureau of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macau VIP gaming investor Suncity Group, which has been the title sponsor for the event since 2014. The iconic event revs up on Thursday, November 17 and engines shut down on Sunday, November 20.
The action-packed schedule features seven races, with the first two days of the annual event generally designated for practice and qualifying. The main events will be held on Saturday and Sunday, including the FIA F3 World Cup and FIA GT World Cup. The event that began in 1954 takes place at the famous Guia Circuit. Located at the southeast region of the Macau Peninsula in Macau, China, the street circuit combines fast straights and tight corners and is known for being one of the world’s most challenging circuits.
In 2015, record revenues of MOP53 million were posted for the 62nd running of the event. And the grandstands were filled with more than 80,000, according to the official site. The 2015 event’s 8 races registered 90 teams of 221 drivers and riders from 31 countries/regions, 49 of which were local. Into its seventh decade, this year’s event promises faster Formula 3 racers and GT cars, closer contests, and more expertly tuned automobiles and motorcycles. Highlights of the four-day action-packed extravaganza include the Suncity Group Guia Race 2.0T and celebrating its golden jubilee, the Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Not to be overshadowed the Macau Touring Car Cup and the Suncity Group Chinese Racing Cup will be featured as well.
Known as Macau’s biggest and most Prestigious event, the Macau Grand Prix was designated as the FIA Formula 3 World Cup by the Féderation Internationale de l’Automobile, solidifying its status as the premier Formula 3 event in the world, according to Time Out. The event is the first ever to host two FIA World Cups on the same ticket.
Early in their careers, past and present Formula One drivers have participated in the Macau Grand Prix and some have won the prestigious prize. Some of its more notable winners include Michael Schumacher, Riccardo Patrese, David Coulthard, and Takuma Sato.