Costa Antunes (left) and Alexis Tam (center)
The traditional blessing ceremony of the 62nd Macau Grand Prix (MGP) was held yesterday. The Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam, officiated the ceremony, stating that the government is seeking to elevate the status of the MGP on the international stage amid emerging competition from neighboring regions.
In addition to Singapore and Zhuhai, which boast their own international motorsport races, Macau faces a rising challenger from across the sea – Hong Kong, which is due to host its maiden Formula E race next October.
The secretary shrugged off possible threats from neighboring rivals, asserting that with more prospective initiatives to be rolled out, the Guia Circuit would always remain appealing to racers who are seeking a challenge.
“We have to forge Macau’s car races as a world-class brand,” Tam told media after a visit to the Grand Prix building facilities.
The official also stated that the region’s F3 race has always been considered a springboard for burgeoning hopefuls on their way to becoming prominent Formula One drivers.
“For those young racers, they have to come to race in Macau if they want to achieve fame,” said Tam. “Macau is a cradle for them.”
“About two months ago, British racer Lewis Hamilton even publicly said in an interview that he thinks Macau is the best track in the world,” he added, while stressing that almost half of the current 21 F1 racing drivers have been challenged by the Guia Circuit.
Every year around this time, criticism from some citizens pours in because of the citywide gridlock caused by the annual motor race. However, Tam asked for people to be tolerant in recognition of the benefits to Macau’s tourism.
This year, the government is for the first time allowing civil servants to travel to work between 8 to 10 a.m. on the first two days of the MGP in an effort to alleviate the traffic congestion in the morning. “I believe it will significantly improve the traffic during the Grand Prix period,” said Tam.
With the 62nd edition of the event one week away, ticket sales have topped those of last year by 30 percent, amounting to over MOP7 million, according to João Manuel Costa Antunes, who will be heading the race’s organizing committee for the last time.
This year’s organizers have optimized facilities for physically disabled visitors to make attendance more convenient for them, the visit revealed.
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