Interview by Rui Pastorin
“A Racing Legacy – SJM x Theodore Racing Press Conference” was held yesterday at Grand Lisboa Macau, with Theodore Racing drivers participating in both the FIA FR World Cup and FIA GT World Cup at this year’s Macau Grand Prix (MGP) introduced.
The Formula Regional (FR) replaces Formula 3 in the MGP from this year onwards.
Racing in the FIA FR World Cup for SJM Theodore PREMA Racing are Sweden’s Dino Beganovic, Freddie Slater from Great Britain and Ireland’s Alex Dunne, each marking their second time on the Guia Circuit. Meanwhile, Swiss-Italian-French Edoardo Mortara, aka “Mr Macau”, and Italy’s Matteo Cairoli will be racing for the SJM VSR (Vincenzo Sospiri Racing) Theodore Racing in the FIA GT World Cup. Each racer also spoke about their experience of and insights into the event.
SJM Managing Director Daisy Ho Chiu Fung said in her speech that: “for over half a century, SJM and its parent company have been a steadfast supporter of the Macau Grand Prix, the most enduring sporting event in our city. And Theodore Racing has been our indispensable partner on every step of this journey”.
After the press conference, Dunne, Slater and Beganovic told the Post that they enjoyed racing in Macau last year and were happy to be back, each striving to try and win, while highlighting the importance of building up into the weekend.
Moreover, Beganovic said that he thinks the Guia Circuit is “definitely one of the most enjoyable circuits to drive on”, adding that though it is challenging for everyone, that is part of what makes it fun.
Slater added: “I know we’ve got a bit of weather coming in, which could be quite interesting”, while adding that there is “a new car for everybody to learn on this track, which is going to be interesting to see how everybody picks the data from F4 to F3 to have a good starting ground”.
Meanwhile, speaking to the Post about the team’s success, Dunne said:” Prema have been extremely successful in the past, especially with this car. So, I think for sure we have a really good package”, while the team has a good opportunity to achieve something great.
Cairoli, meanwhile, noted that last year was not easy for him as it was his first time on the circuit, but remarked that not crashing and collecting “maximum experience” were positive points. With more experience this year, though with a different car, he said: “I hope I can still manage to find a good compromise between track and car. It’s not going to be easy, but at least the track is something that I’m fine with now”.
Mortara, who according to Wikipedia has amassed 10 wins, including seven overall victories, in Macau from 2008 to 2017 in F3 in GT races, also highlighted: “You always need to take this race weekend with a lot of humility”, adding that one never knows what to expect.
“It’s such a difficult race weekend…It’s going to be a matter of, firstly, trying to understand if we can be competitive against our competitors. This is not only depending on drivers, but also on the package that you have at your disposal”, including one’s car, team, driver, and balance of performance, Mortara concluded.
The 71st MGP is slated to run from tomorrow through Sunday.
SJM Theodore PREMA Racing drivers Alex Dunne (from right to left), Freddie Slater, Dino Beganovic, along with SJM VSR (Vincenzo Sospiri Racing) Theodore Racing’s Edoardo Mortara and Matteo Cairoli pose after yesterday’s press conference at Grand Lisboa Macau. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
