Briefs | Costa Antunes calls for support to GP

The Macau Grand Prix Committee Coordinator João Manuel Costa Antunes reiterated on the sidelines of the welcoming dinner that the authorities have already arranged the GP-related road construction works at nighttime in order to minimize their impact on local residents. He also said that some works were carried out during the summer holiday. “What is worth mentioning is that we have already called on the residents to arrange for and start their commute earlier, as well as to reduce the use of vehicles and walk more – especially near the GP circuit – so that the pressure on the road can be further reduced”, he said. “The GP Committee has always been paying high attention to the impact of the race on residents.” Mr Costa Antunes then called on residents to support and tolerate the GP.
He also refused to comment on his future, saying that he is now focusing on the organization of the race’s 61st edition.

Rodolfo Ávila believes his experience will prevail

Macanese racing driver Rodolfo Ávila spoke to the Times on the sidelines of the Macau Grand Prix welcoming dinner on Wednesday. He said that he felt great about the race and said that he and his car are ready for it. “I know the circuit well. We have been driving here for many years. So I’m looking forward to it”, he commented.
Rodolfo Ávila said that although they “don’t have the most competitive GT3 car”, he still believes that he is able to be competitive in the GTM class and be one of the fastest. “It’s a new car. It’s a car that doesn’t belong to me. It’s a car that I rented. I know the engine is new. I did a few laps in Zhuhai with the car and everything seems good… But I believe it should be fine. So I’m looking forward for the weekend”, Avila stated. He also suggested that most of his opponents will be GTM class drivers with a few cars “a little bit quicker than” his Porsche. “But I believe, with the experience, we can make up for it”, he said. “At the moment, I am not very worried about the position. I just have to do a good job”, he said, before reckoning that GT “is going to be a quite nice race to watch”.

The Venetian sponsoring several racers

The 61st Macau Grand Prix has a vaguely Venetian feel this year with drivers, riders and even cars bearing the casino’s logo. British motorcycle riders Ian Hutchinson, 2013 champion of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, and Stuart Easton, three-time champion of the same race, will both be sponsored by The Venetian. Back in July, The Venetian Macao likewise announced its sponsorship of the latest rising star on the car racing scene, 26-year-old Shanghai-born racer Ma Qinghua, who will wear the integrated resort’s logo on his racing helmet and suit when he races in the FIA WTCC – Guia Race of Macau. “The Venetian Macao is very proud to sponsor Ma Qinghua,” said Ciarán Carruthers, Senior Vice President and Director of Venetian and Plaza Operations, Sands China Ltd. “For our company, it’s really important to help develop and promote Chinese athletes around the world, and we’re so glad to be able to extend that support to Ma.”