F4: Charles Leong favorite to win

This is the second year that the Chinese Formula 4 (F4) will take to the streets of Macau with the heavy responsibility of replacing the race dubbed the “queen” of the Macau races – the F3.
As we all know, the F4 is not a choice but a last resort solution in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Macau’s border restrictions that prevent the F3 paddock from traveling here. Under the present circumstances, the paddock sadly cannot follow in the footsteps of the most celebrated names in world motorsport, as they have since 1983.
This time, a grid comprising an eclectic group of 17 drivers will take their best shot at the challenging Guia circuit, striving not to disappoint the many spectators expected in the stands.
As in last year’s edition, local driver Charles Leong is the favorite to win the race. The local racer not only has demonstrated better skills than the rest of the grid, but is also in better form despite not racing for almost a year.
Last year, as predicted, Leong showed total dominance as the fastest driver on the track throughout the weekend, winning the race with a comfortable lead over the closest opponent.
As in 2020, Andy Chang, another local racer, is expected to be seen in Leong’s rearview mirrors. Chang finished second last year and was the only racer to challenge Leong’s lead in the weekend’s races.
During the first races of the Chinese F4 Championship, held at the Zhuhai International Circuit late last month, Leong confirmed his favored position by winning all four races.
Leong did not face much difficulty in besting the opposition, taking his Mygale-Geely F4 to the checkered flag and the highest step of the podium.
Considering the performance of the other racers in this category, including Chang, a good racing performance is also expected from mainland driver Li Si Cheng, who is returning to Macau after securing third-place last year.
In the first round of races held in Zhuhai, Li also performed well, taking one second and one fourth place in two of the races.
It will also be interesting to see what two Macau’s most veteran racers will be able to do in an F4 car as racing veterans Lei Kit Meng and Mak Ka Lok have surprisingly joined this formula race after many years away from the open-wheels.
The last time that 53-year-old Lei raced in the Macau formula race was 2007, in the now defunct FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup during the 54th edition of the Macau Grand Prix.
56-year-old Mak has no recorded performance in formula cars, having spent his long race-driving career in the Touring Car categories only.
Last year both Lei and Mak raced in the Greater Bay Area GT Cup, with Lei taking third place and Mak finishing seventh.