The 67th edition of the Macau Grand Prix was officially inaugurated on Saturday with the launching of a racing car show at Tap Seac Square.
As it has in the past nine years, the car show marks not only the officialization of the Grand Prix event but also creates a unique opportunity for the public to meet some of the drivers that will take part in the races set to be held this weekend. Additionally, it offers the opportunity for the racing fans to take a closer look at some of the racing machinery that will be racing in the streets of Macau.
On display this year were mostly cars that will be competing in the two events dedicated to Grand Tourer (GT) classes – the Macau GT Cup and the Greater Bay Area GT Cup.
In a racing series cut short by one day and without one of the main attractions – The Motorcycle Grand Prix – the restrictions imposed on the entry of foreign racers meant that the GT racers were alone in doing the honors of representing the Grand Prix in making contact with the local community.
The car exhibition also included a merchandizing sale and allowed the younger racing fans to test their driving skills in the virtual world of racing simulators.
Some attendees told the Times the absence of the motorcycles rendered this year’s event “weaker than in previous editions.” Younger fans were less concerned with the lack of motorcycles and were more thrilled by the opportunity to stand side-by-side with the racing cars.
In the opening speech, Pun Weng Kun, President of the Sports Bureau and Coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee, highlighted the support from everyone on the accomplishment of putting on the 67th edition of the GP despite the many challenges related with Covid-19, thanking in particular the Hong Kong drivers for their special efforts and availability for undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine period before participating in the races.
As previously announced, the event this year will be held over three days with the Practice sessions taking place on Friday (November 20), Qualifying on Saturday (November 21), and the final races on Sunday (November 22) when all of this year’s winners will receive their deserved laurels.
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