Get Up to Speed with the Macau Grand Prix

Macau might be best known for its casinos, but every year in November it’s motor racing that steals the spotlight. This year, the Macau Grand Prix celebrates its 64th year with four action-packed days of races from November 16 – November 19.

The main event is the Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, which takes place on a Sunday (this year, November 19) and is the official FIA F3 World Cup. The legendary race is considered an important stepping stone for drivers aiming to reach the Formula One level. Past winners have included top names such as David Coulthard and Michael Schumacher.

In addition, the Macau Grand Prix is the world’s only major international street racing event that holds races for both cars and motorcycles. This year, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix will stage its 51st edition and features former and present racers in the Superbike World Championship.

Above all, the thing that makes the Macau Grand Prix most unique is its Guia Circuit. What originally started out as a treasure hunt around the city is now regarded as one of the world’s greatest street racing courses. For difficulty, intensity, atmosphere, level of skill and competition required, the Guia Circuit is unlike any other and ticks all the boxes.

The circuit winds its way around the hills of Macau with sharp bends, narrow points as wide as only seven metres in places, steep mountain sections and, of course, the Melco Hairpin, easily one of the tightest hairpins of any circuit in the world. It all combines to ensure races on the track are gripping at every turn. The intelligence required to master the track is why Formula 1 teams pay close attention to the drivers who excel here.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators turn out to catch the roaring action and soak up the adrenaline-charged atmosphere year after year. It’s an opportunity to see some of the world’s finest sports cars and witness the technical brilliance of the best Formula 3 racers around.

If you fancy a day out at the races, the best place to sit is at the Lisboa Bend, rather than the Main Grandstand, as it’s positioned in front of a 90-degree turn and is often the scene for some spectacular overtaking attempts. Tickets for race days are more expensive. They range from 350 patacas (US$44) for the cheapest to 900 patacas (US$112) for the best seats.

Already in its 64th year, the Macau Grand Prix is a racing spectacle that shows no signs of slowing down.