‘It’s an opportunity that came from the evaluation of my performance’

Local racer Charles Leong is preparing to become the first Macau driver to compete in the FIA Formula Regional (FR) World Cup.

With prior experience racing around the Guia Circuit in both F3 and F4 cars, Leong returns to formula racing, this time for the newly established FR World Cup, which made its debut last year.

Following a strong season capped with a victory in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia (LSTA), Leong returns behind the wheel of an FR car with the renowned Prema Racing team.

Once again, the Italian motorsport outfit will race in Macau in partnership with the historic Theodore Racing.

To learn more about this opportunity, the Times spoke exclusively with Leong.

Macau Daily Times (MDT) – How did this opportunity arise to participate in the Macau GP in the FIA FR World Cup?

Charles Leong (CL) –This opportunity came through SJM Theodore Racing and Prema. It was a long negotiation, and that was based on my performance throughout the year in Super Trofeo (LSTA).

I was also pushing hard for it, and they gave me a shot [at it] because I have raced in Macau for so many years and have been performing quite well, too. It is a very special opportunity requiring a lot of trust from them, so I will do my best.

MDT – What are your expectations for the race?

CL – Macau is a race where you can never know what will happen until you arrive [at the finish line]. Anything can happen, and things can change rapidly during the race. Of course, the surrounding [external factors] can affect you, too.

I don’t really know what to expect, and honestly, I don’t have much expectation, but I know what I’m doing, and I just need to do my best.

MDT – This year, you have raced in a GT category and achieved strong results at the LSTA. Do you plan to race in Macau in the GT3 category?

CL – I don’t know [if I can have this opportunity] to race in Macau GT3 as I also don’t know yet what the upcoming year will be like [regarding racing season]. I wish I could do GT3 as well, but as long as I am doing something competitive and something I enjoy doing, I will always be up for it.