Known for its stunning architecture, world-famous casinos, cultural heritage, and fireworks, Macau is
an exhilarating destination. However, one event makes the city a superior motorsports host – the
Macau Grand Prix.
The event boasts one of the most challenging and dangerous circuits that promise more motorsport
action than you have ever seen. Iconic racing figures, including Damon Hill, Rubens Barichello, and
Michael Schumacher, participated in the race.
Whether you are a die-hard motorsport fan or simply looking for a spectacular event, the 2024 Macau
Grand Prix is a must-attend or watch!
71 st Macau Grand Prix Schedule
The 2024 Macau Grand Prix will run from November 14 to 17 featuring several races that showcase
the very best in cars and motorcycles.
The schedule for the event will be:
- Thursday, November 14 – from 7:45 AM to 04:55 PM
Motorcycle Grand Prix, FIA FR World Cup, Macau GT CUP and others – practice sessions around the circuit. - Friday, November 15 – Qualifying Day – 07:45 AM to 5:00 PM,
Qualifying rounds for drivers, riders and teams to battle for pole positions. - Saturday, November 16 – Racing Day.
Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix- 56 th Edition- Race – 9:30 AM – 12 Laps;
Macau Roadsport Challenge Race – 10:55 AM – 12 laps
Macau Guia Race – Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Event of Macau Race 1 – 12:35 PM – 9 laps;
Macau GT Cup – FIA GT World Cup Qualification Race – 01:50 PM – 12 laps
Macau Grand Prix – FIA FR World Cup – Qualifying Race – 3:50 PM – 10 laps - Sunday, November 17 – The Final Racing Day.
Greater Bay Area GT Cup (GT4) Race – 8:15 AM – 12 laps
Macau Roadsport – Macao SAR Establishment Cup Race – 9:35 AM – 12 laps
Macau Guia Race – Kumho FIA TCR World Tour Event of Macau Race 2 – 10:55 AM – 9 laps
Macau GT Cup – FIA GT World Cup -12:55 PM – 16 laps
Lion Dance – 03:15 PM
Macau Grand Prix FIA FR World Cup – 03:30 PM – 15 laps
Competition Specs
The Macau Grand Prix of 2024 features multiple racing disciplines, each testing unique autos, driver
skills, and technical prowess. Here is a breakdown of the major races, the vehicles in use, and their
expected configurations.
Macau Grand Prix – FIA Formula Regional World Cup
Traditionally, Macau has always been a Formula 3 World Cup event host. However, Formula 3’s CEO
Bruno Michel explained that it would be impossible for the race to happen during the upcoming Macau
Grand Prix. One explanation is that Mecachrome engines are not yet ready for racing.
Instead, Formula Regional (FR) vehicles will race in the 2024 Macau Grand Prix for the first time. The
FR Asian Championship is certified by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) as a
regional Formula 3 racing series.
While one step lower than the Formula 3 series, the FR promises to showcase some of the most
promising young talents in open-wheel, single-seater race cars. Some details to get you ready for the
action include:
- Car – The Tatuus F.3 T-318 car will have an Alfa Romeo 1.75L engine that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower at a maximum of 6,000 RPM. Each vehicle during the race will feature mechanical grip and aerodynamic efficiency, which are vital for navigating the sharp corners and high-speed straights.
- Configuration – The cars have a high downforce package that helps them stay stable during the tight sections, while an ultra-lightweight carbon fiber chassis ensures improved performance.
Macau GT Cup- FIA GT World Cup
The FIA GT is another race that will take place during the Macau Grand Prix. It will feature some of the
best sports cars in the world. Vehicles in this race are production models with extensive modifications
that allow for enhanced aerodynamics, lighter weight, racing, and more horsepower.
Here is what to expect during the race:
- Cars – Get ready to witness powerful machines like the Porsche 911 GT3 R, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo 2 and Ferrari 296 GT3 battle for the top positions. Each vehicle has a 4.0-liter V8 or 6-cylinder engine capable of spewing over 500 horsepower.
- Configuration – Each GT3 car in the FIA GT World Cup race has large rear wings and splitters that boost downforce and cornering ability. Their braking systems are custom- designed for racing and can handle high temperatures expected during heavy deceleration.
Macau Guia Race (Touring Cars)- Kumho TCR World Tour Event of Macau
The Macau Guia Race – Kumho TCR World Tour Event is an international touring vehicle race that will be part of the 2024 Macau Grand Prix event. The touring cars are based on production sedans but
with plenty of power. It is always a thrill to watch these races, and you can expect a lot of aggressive
overtaking maneuvers.
TCR-spec vehicles are common during the race and include models such as the Audi RS3 LMS TCR,
Hyundai Elantra N TCR and the Honda Civic Type R FL5 TCR. The cars have front-wheel-drive and
are powered by 2.0-liter turbocharged engines producing about 350 horsepower.
Modified racing suspensions, high-performance braking systems, and aerodynamic upgrades ensure
the vehicles zip through the circuit. Further, reinforced bodies ensure they can withstand minor
collisions during close-quarters racing without compromising performance.
Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix
Another race that should be on your must-watch list during the weekend is the Macau Motorcycle
Grand Prix. Feel the adrenaline rush as high-performance superbikes achieve blistering speeds on the
tight Guia Circuit. The high speeds, no runoff areas, and narrow streets make this race one of the
most dangerous events.
What can you expect to see?
- Motorcycles – The race features 1000cc superbikes like the Kawasaki ZX-10RR, BMW S1000RR, Honda CBR1000 and the Yamaha R1. Each bike promises to produce about 200 horsepower with speeds of over 186 mph (300 km/h)!
- Configuration – The superbikes have lightweight frames and advanced suspension systems ensure effortless control and speed past the sweeping corners. Prepare for nail-biting moments of the weekend as the riders push their machines to the limits.
2024 Circuit
The 2024 Macau Grand Prix will occur on the 3.8-mile (6.2-kilometer) Guia Circuit, which boasts
narrow lanes and tight corners and is one of the most challenging circuits in the world. The track has
long straights, unusual hairpin bends, and elevation changes that demand high precision from drivers
and riders.
The Guia Circuit snakes through city streets against a cityscape that adds a unique character to each
race. While no significant changes are proposed for the track layout in 2024, there are new safety
measures to ensure driver and spectator safety.
Barriers lining the roads mean drivers and riders must be prepared for the circuit’s unpredictability.
Plus, the twisting nature makes it harder to overtake, and competitors will make bold and calculated
moves.
Confirmed Drivers
Expect an exciting showcase of talented drivers across the different races for the 2024 Macau Grand
Prix weekend. However, the full list of confirmed participants is not ready for release. But you will see
some familiar faces alongside young and upcoming talent.
Some drivers that have confirmed participation are:
- Noel Leon and Mari Boya for KCMG IXO by Pinnacle Motorsport; Dino Beganovic, Freddie Slater and Alexander Dunne for SJM Theodore Prema Racing – Macau Grand Prix FIA FR World Cup.
- Laurens Vanthoor, Edoardo Mortara, Daniel Juncadela,Augusto Farfus and Maro Engel Macau GT Cup.
- Rob Huff, Esteban Guerrieri, Mikel Azcona – Macau Guia Race Kumho TCR World Tour
- Paul Jordan, David Todd, Robert Hodson, Peter Hickman and “Mr. Macau”- Michael Rutter -9 times winner at the legendary Guia Circuit – Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix -56 th Edition
Macau Grand Prix History
The first Macau Grand Prix was run in November 1954 as a race club for local motoring enthusiasts.
During the meet, racers had to contend with roads full of dirt and loose sand. The circuit’s entire back
sections were dug up and replaced with asphalt in 1955.
In 1956, the third edition of the Macau Grand Prix was held on permanent concrete with seating space
for 300 spectators and 10 pits.
The race was considered an amateur event until 1966, when Mauro Bianchi entered and won,
encouraging other professional racing teams to sign up in the following years. The first motorcycle
race was introduced in 1967.
The Macau Grand Prix typically occurs during the second or third week of November, running from
Thursday to Sunday. The first two days are for practicing and qualifying, while the last two are for
races, with the heavyweights battling it out .
Notable Races
As the Macau Grand Prix marks its 71st year this November, note that the event has been the stage
for some of the most memorable races. These include:
- The 1983 Formula 3 Race – The late Ayrton Senna was the first winner of the Formula 3 crown after a dramatic race.
- The 1990 Formula 3 Race – As the Macau Grand Prix entered its 37th season, Mika Hakkinen crushed into Michael Schumacher after a deliberate block maneuver. Michael won the race, leading to a bitter rivalry that lasted about 20 years.
Conclusion
The 2024 Macau Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event, full of drama and world-class racing.
The race to battle for supremacy in the Formula Regional, FIA GT World Cup, and Macau Motorcycle
Grand Prix will test the limits of new and experienced drivers, riders, and their machines.
You do not want to miss the pulsating action as it occurs. Mark your calendar for November 14 to 17,
2024 for the thrill of a lifetime!
