SJM Theodore PREMA Racing team’s Formula 3 (F3) racers Paul Aron, Dino Beganovic and Gabriele Minì will make their Macau debut at this weekend’s 70th Macau Grand Prix (MGP), with the young racers talking about their expectations and their preparations for racing on the Guia Circuit during a press conference yesterday at Grand Lisboa Macau.
This time, the MGP consists of two weekends. The second one will be held from tomorrow through Sunday, including practice and qualifying races on the two first day of the event’s “second weekend”.
Estonian racer Aron, the younger brother of 3rd place podium winner of the MGP F3 in 2017, Ralf Aron, noted that he was excited to be in Macau for the first time and take part in the historic event.
In terms of preparation, the 19-year-old said that with the Guia Circuit being a very difficult city circuit and with no chance to drive on it with the MGP held only once a year, preparation was key, having done a lot of simulator work and learning tips and tricks from his brother.
Aron also placed 3rd in the FIA Formula 3 Championship this year, his rookie season. On the experience, he said: “The main thing I learnt this year was to be consistent and to do the best that you can even on your worst day. I think here in Macau, it will matter even more”, highlighting the importance of consistency and building up to the race weekend as though it were for a season.
Meanwhile, Beganovic said that it was his dream to come to Macau and that it was great to be with the team. The 19-year-old Swede also highlighted the importance of practice and preparation, with Macau being unlike any other track. “It’s a street circuit, but at the same time it’s got everything”.
In terms of approach, Beganovic noted that he will be going into the weekend step by step and try to build everything up and put it all together. “It will not be easy because the track is very demanding on the drivers, but also on tyres”. However, he said he remained confident.
Italian racer Minì shared his teammates’ excitement of racing on the circuit, adding that it was a good opportunity to race in Macau and underlined he thought the history behind the race makes the track legendary and known all over the world.
“I can’t wait to be out there and do our best”, the 18-year-old said. Minì, who “really likes street circuits”, also underlined the importance of taking the circuit step by step and working well with the team.
Meanwhile, SJM Resorts Managing Director Daisy Ho Chiu-fung also congratulated last weekend’s F4 racers on their dominant victory. She was presented with a token of appreciation by SJM Theodore PREMA Racing Team Principal Teddy Yip Jr (小葉德利).
SJM Theodore PREMA Racing team’s Formula 3 (F3) racers Dino Beganovic (from left to right), Paul Aron and Gabriele Minì sign autographs after yesterday’s press conference at Grand Lisboa Macau. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
