During the 68th Macau Grand Prix, some of the spectators who were watching the races at the reservoir stands told The Macau Post Daily that they found the event to be as entertaining as usual.
A 38-year-old man surnamed McDougall, who has been watching the Grand Prix since 2010, said: “I think that it’s not that dissimilar to previous years, obviously it doesn’t have the international drivers, but you know, it’s still good for Macau to keep it going.” He said that there were “more spectators than last year”, adding that “it’s already a good thing”. He also said he thought that the event is “part of Macau’s history”, noting that with the programmes surrounding the event in previous years, “it creates a buzz in the city”. He added that the event’s logistics and organisation get better each year, concluding that he was looking “forward to the years when international drivers can compete”.
Meanwhile, Deng, a Chinese student aged 18, said that the event was a “must” for tourists, adding that “if they have the time or some interest” they can attend the event to watch the races. Being a freshman at a local university, this Grand Prix was her introduction to the event, saying: “I feel excited and elated. It’s a big race.” She also noted that normally she is more interested in events related to art and music, but despite this, “I need to experience something that Macau is very famous for”. She added that the event could “boost the economy” and that the event “can attract many visitors during this special period”, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
Rachel, aged 19, also a Chinese student seeing the event for the first time, said that she found it to be “exciting and cool”. However, she remarked that most people attended the event out of interest and probably do not have background knowledge, adding that she also did not know much about the racers and mostly came to take photos of the event. Despite this, she said that the event is “a special experience in Macau”
Meanwhile, a local resident surnamed Fong, aged 41, brought his daughter to experience the races and atmosphere. He said that they were happy and excited to be there, saying that this was the first time he’s attending as a spectator as he had only watched the event on television in previous years. He added that although he is not familiar with all of the drivers, he and his daughter were anticipating to see the F4 race.
Figueira, a 31-year-old Portuguese woman, said that she has lived in Macau for six years and usually comes to watch the races annually, adding that she did not notice a big difference despite a smaller audience, noting that the fact that people are enjoying themselves was what mattered. When asked about how she felt about the event, she said that she had “mixed feelings”, saying that she was “happy because it happened” but “also sad” due to the event missing some of the usual races. She also said that considering the restrictions that the pandemic brought, the event was “quite good”, adding “I think it’s a great atmosphere, people are happy to be here”. She also called the event “very unique”, noting that as she has been watching races on TV since she was a young girl with her father, but that the Macau Grand Prix is special as it is not found elsewhere in the world. She noted that it would be great if people had an opportunity to come, but with the quarantine restrictions, she said it was too difficult and it makes having a vacation “almost impossible”. However, she said that it is “an amazing event” and if people can come to Macau, it would be “an interesting event to attend”.
F4 racecars tail each other during the last lap of the 68th Macau Grand Prix. Photo: Rui Pastorin
