F4 racer Mattia Colnaghi: ‘Racing here is a big challenge’

Melco Resorts and the Grand Prix Museum kicked off the “Speedy Grand Prix” program yesterday, giving kids aged 10 to 16 a chance to experience free race car simulations at the Macau Grand Prix Museum.

The program is organized in two sessions, with the first practice sessions held on November 22, 23, and 29, and the second-stage simulation contest for graduating participants on December 7.

Local racer Marcus Cheong and Italian racer Mattia Colnaghi both tested out the simulators at the museum in a one-on-one race to kick off the program.

Cheong, Macau’s current Formula 4 driver and winner of the Karting Championship in the KZ category for seven consecutive years, will guide program participants in person in learning to drive on the racing simulators.

Colnaghi, the 2024 F4 Spanish and 2025 Eurocup-3 champion, shared his thoughts on racing in Macau: “The Guia Circuit is, to say the least, very special. It’s unlike any other street circuit.”

He continued, “Many people compare it to Monaco, but I think there really is no comparison. Macau has the city, the streets, and the tight corners. Racing here is a big challenge.”

Cheong, also speaking to the press, shared his thoughts on racing in Macau.

“I think the most attractive feature of racing is the uncertainty factor. In a race, the only thing that can determine the winner is the spirit, but in racing, you need to be 100% prepared.”

He explained that it is difficult for racers to train in Macau, where track access is limited, often leaving training to simulators or no equipment at all.

He said, “I think training without equipment is essential for the current generation of racers. Especially in Macau, when the track is closed, we don’t have a track to practice on. So, getting familiar with the track is very important.”

In addition, motor-racing simulators are also available at the museum for fans to experience racing on the Guia Circuit. Ricaela Diputado