PREVIEW | Returns and surprises for 49th Motorcycle GP

Michael Rutter

Held every year since 1967, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix is one the most captivating races in the Grand Prix program.
The almost fifty-year-old event has drawn the world’s attention, especially among international motorcycle road racing fans and participants.
This year, as has become a habit, the entry list presents a broad mix of motorcycle racers from across the globe, including the best riders from the European road racing championship.
Among the 32 riders from 11 different countries and territories listed to participate are four former winners and competition record-holders: Stuart Easton, Ian Hutchinson, Michael Rutter and John McGuinness.

Stuart Easton folowed by Lee Johnson

Easton returns in top form on the hunt for his fifth Macau win, partnering with Ian Hutchinson as part of the Paul Bird Motorsport team, which rides with Kawasaki bikes. As for the king of kings, Michael Rutter, he will this time be riding a BMW. Rutter will be teaming up with another of the tried-and-tested talents on the Guia circuit, the experienced Gary Johnson, who is always aiming for the podium.
Lee Johnston is another of the experienced Guia Circuit racers who will not be missing this year’s edition, at least in part motivated by his three wins at the Ulster Grand Prix earlier this year. Meanwhile, Martin Jessopp, who is always on the cusp of a win in Macau and who came third last year, will give everything for a win this year.
What’s more, stay tuned for Honda Racing’s Conor Cummins. The man from Ramsey has taken part in some serious battles with Easton on the Guia Circuit in the past, and is back after two years of absence. Last time he raced in Macau, back in 2012, he finished sixth overall but this year he believes he can do better.
Macau’s CF Racing Team 32 will be competing for its second year. This time the team, owned by local former racer João Fernandes, has registered two bikes, to be raced by South African Allann-Jon Venter, following his good results last year, and newbie Tom McHale, who drew some attention with an impressive debut on the mountain course at TT in 2015.