Why Macau’s long awaited return is shaping up to thrill

For enthusiasts of single-seater and GT racing, the long-awaited return of the FIA Formula 3 and GT World Cups to the Macau Grand Prix is finally here. The events will be available for live streaming on Motorsport.tv and Motorsport.com.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Macau Grand Prix continued with local F4 and GT races, but it was a shadow of its former self. Now, with border closures and quarantine protocols in the past, the entry lists are filled with international talent ready to compete at the ‘Las Vegas of the East’. The F3 category presents a fresh crop of young talent, many of whom have never raced at Macau due to the pandemic, making the competition wide open. On the other hand, the GT entry list is packed with experienced drivers eager to compete for individual glory.

Among those is Daniel Juncadella, who last raced at Macau in 2017. Now, he is back to defend Mercedes honor alongside Raffaele Marciello, Maro Engel, and Jules Gounon. “When I heard Macau was coming back, there was no way I was going to miss it!” Juncadella shares. “The atmosphere around Macau is so exciting. You have this packed city full of skyscrapers and bright lights, there’s a lot of action going on. You get there and you can feel the vibe.”

The F3 entry list includes the 2019 Macau winner Richard Verschoor along with seasoned drivers like Dan Ticktum, Marcus Armstrong, and Sophia Florsch. In the GT World Cup, the Mercedes line-up faces tough competition from other top manufacturers like BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Ferrari. Porsche has a strong presence with seven 911 GT3 Rs, and renowned drivers like Laurens Vanthoor and Kevin Estre.

Juncadella, now a factory Mercedes GT driver, expresses his anticipation for the event: “The guys with experience will be faster to get up to speed. Verschoor and Ticktum will be the benchmarks.” He also reflects on the rare opportunity to compete as an individual, away from the usual shared responsibilities of a team.

The event promises a thrilling showcase of skill and competition from both the F3 and GT World Cup categories, with a feast of fast and fierce racers set to light up the city streets of Macau. Don’t miss the action this weekend, live on Motorsport.tv. Click here for more information.

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Olivia Carter

Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.