Mortara, Verstappen, Couto in 61st Grand Prix 211 drivers from 36 countries

The Macau Grand Prix Committee revealed in a press conference yesterday that the total expenses for this year’s Grand Prix are estimated to be between MOP190 million and MOP200 million, more than 10 percent higher than the year before.
The Committee also revealed that the revenue from sponsorship has so far has reached MOP33 million. It believes that revenue from ticket sales will bring another MOP40 million to the Committee.
João Manuel Costa Antunes, coordinator of the Committee, said on the sidelines of the press conference that people should not evaluate the Grand Prix merely from a financial perspective.
“We cannot calculate the benefit [of the Grand Prix] in general merely by looking at its direct financial revenue. This is because the Grand Prix, which attracts attention from international media, also serves as promotion for Macau. Therefore, if we look at the benefit of the Grand Prix on a macro level, we can say that for every pataca we invest into it, the return will be MOP8. However, it is not a monetary return, but a better return that allows more people to know Macau”, he said.
He added that the increase in expenses is due to the rise in salaries and inflation, as well as the cost of infrastructure.
Regarding safety measures, Mr Costa Antunes said that around one third of the expenses are spent on the safety aspect. “As always, we try to lower the impact on the [day-to-day life of] residents by the preparation of the safety measures, while ensuring that the safety [of the drivers] is secured”, he said.
During the press conference, the Grand Prix Committee announced that a total of 211 drivers from 36 countries and regions will be competing in the 61st Macau Grand Prix.
Edoardo Mortara, who is looking to secure his sixth victory in Macau, will be competing in the Guia Circuit. “The most successful rider” in the Macau Grand Prix’s history, Michael Rutter, eight-time champion in the Motorcycle Grand Prix, is another driver competing in the same circuit.
From Macau, drivers Andre Couto and Rodolfo Avila will be competing as well.
Max Verstappen will also make his Macau debut this year. In just his first year of racing, and aged just 17, Verstappen has already been signed for the Toro Rosso F1 team for next year. “(…) Joining him will be his season-long Van Amersfoort Racing team mate, American Gustavo Menezes”, the coordinator said.
“In line with our commitment to minimizing the impact on local traffic, resurfacing work on the track was completed during the summer. We seek the understanding and forbearance of residents during the remaining construction works, and pledge to continue do our utmost to minimize any inconvenience”, he said. CP/JPL