Interview with André Couto | Guia is ‘one of the world’s best circuits’

Local racer André Couto recently completed yet another challenge, coming second in the Audi R8 LMS Cup’s Shanghai Circuit. The driver is still competing for the title, as the race’s season finale will be held in Abu Dhabi next month. With the Macau Grand Prix fast approaching, André Couto said he’s confident of achieving a good result behind the wheel of a new car: a Ferrari. A former Macau Grand Prix winner, he says that this year’s competition is looking far more competitive.

Macau Daily Times (MDT) – You’ve just completed the Audi R8 LMS Cup, with the Shanghai circuit. What do you think of your participation so far?
André Couto (AC) – I’ve done quite well this year. I’m still fighting for the title. I have met quite fast racers throughout the competition, but things are unfolding well; even though I had three races in which I was affected by collisions.

MDT – Do you believe you would be leading if it weren’t for those incidents?
AC – Yes. I had good chances of finishing first, I was leading at one point, and was running at a fast pace, but incidents happen during races. I am still second, so there’s still a possibility of winning in Abu Dhabi. In the past four weekends, I have won at least one of each of the races; the car is performing well; so it’s a good outlook for a good result. I have never competed in the Abu Dhabi circuit, but I hear it’s a very good one; very modern and on the cutting-edge. Other drivers are in the same position, since they’ve never competed there either. I am confident of achieving a good result.

MDT – The Macau Grand Prix is fast approaching, kicking off on November 13. You’ll be competing behind the wheel of a Ferrari this time. Do you feel ready to compete?
AC – Yes, mentally speaking, I feel ready to compete. The only issue here is that I have not been able to test the car ahead of the Grand Prix. This is the only disadvantage. The car was first assessed and prepared by a Japanese team before being brought to Macau. The car will be coming directly to Macau and we will have to adapt to it during the circuit’s testing.

MDT – When will you be able to test the car?
AC – I will try it out for the first time on Thursday during the first circuit testing.

MDT – Does it worry you that you’ve not been able to test the car yet?
AC – Of course it can always be a bit of a disadvantage to kick off a race with a car I haven’t been able to test, especially in Macau where the circuit is particularly difficult. Also because other good drivers know their cars quite well. But I am not too obsessed with this issue now, as the situation cannot be changed.

MDT – Apart from the new car, what other differences would you highlight when comparing to previous races?
AC – GTs [Macau GT Cup] this year is a very strong field. Many high level drivers will be racing, which has not happened in the past few years. I think it will definitely be interesting, and I am looking forward to having quite a competitive Grand Prix this year. I will try to work with my team to reach the required level to stay in competition, to adapt to the car and we’ll see the results. I will be trying my best.

MDT – You’ve said it before: this race is an ideal one. Why?
AC – Well, first, this is one of the world’s best circuits. It’s one of the circuits that give racers a bit more pleasure, since it comprises of about 7 kilometers of pure adrenaline. These types of cars allow racers to have a good racing experience. So it’s a very good category to race in Macau for someone who has won Formula 3. It is very fast, it tests our limits. But of course it’s a bit more dangerous, too.

MDT – Are you confident that you can better last year’s results?
AC – Well, if I exceed them, it means I will win the race, as last year I came in second. I try not to think too much about it, I will try to do my best, at my own pace. It’s one of the most interesting circuits to race on. On top of that, Macau’s my home. I grew up here and I race for Macau’s people. I have a lot of friends supporting me and it’s for them I am racing too.