The 71st Macau Grand Prix concluded yesterday in excitement, pushing through the damp and rainy weather that plagued the event throughout much its four-day run.
As racers zipped around the Guia Circuit, which saw rain and soggy conditions, the roar of spectators could be heard as drivers fought for the top spot at break-neck speeds, reacting with crashes and near-misses. The Post spoke with some spectators to learn more about their MGP experience this year.
Yin, a 31-year-old Hongkonger, said that he was not too happy with the weather, but was very impressed with the skill that the racers displayed and the fast pace yesterday. “I think it is quite amazing that they can control their vehicles so well”, Yin said, noting that yesterday marked his first experience watching the sport, which he did not know much about. “I am studying how it all works”, adding that he may develop more interest and look at different race categories like Formula 1 later on.
Meanwhile 67-year-old Elias, a Macau resident from India, highlighted the racing event’s importance and reach across the globe, with him having friends and family in Canada and Portugal who watch the races on TV. “So, all over the world, people are interested in this event. So, it’s a great event for Macau and for the world also”.
The weather was just something to be dealt with, Elias said, and he went on to say that it is always unpredictable, though he was thankful that the final race took place in “wonderful” weather.
He also highlighted that the racing event has been part of Macau for a long time, seeing great international racers like Michael Shumacher on the famed Guia Circuit. And for its newest addition, the Formula Regional races, he has “great expectations on bringing young drivers to start their racing careers”.
A local man, surnamed Lao, who took his little boy to watch MGP races for the second year, said that although the weather was unfavourable and it rained continuously from morning to noon, it fortunately did not affect the Macau GT Cup races, which he specially went for. Little Lao even said that the races triggered his interest in getting into karting.
Liu, who travelled from the mainland to Macau to watch the races for the first time, said he was a bit disappointed with the cancellation of the races in the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 56th Edition, but thankfully the Macau GT Cup races remained on schedule and he found the races exciting. Speaking to the Post after the sun had made a welcome appearance yesterday afternoon, Liu said he was puzzled by the absence of any shelter in the spectator stand, suggesting that the organising committee should consider setting up a covered spectator area to prevent the public from “heavy rain like today”.
A female spectator from Hong Kong, surnamed Leung, lamented the “terrible” weather at the Grand Prix, noting that she arrived early to find the spectator stands lacking proper rain covers. Soaked from head to toe without an umbrella and disappointed after paying an extra 350 patacas for seats she thought would have a canopy, she still found the race exciting overall. She also mentioned that while transportation was generally convenient, unclear bus routes led to some confusion when certain stops were suspended.
In contrast, a male spectator from Foshan, surnamed Zhang, shrugged off the discomfort, suggesting that having a canopy would have made it even hotter. He felt the weather didn’t significantly impact the viewing experience, except for the heavy morning rain. Zhang enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Prix, particularly praising the thrilling performances of the top international drivers.
Spectators look on as they watch the races at the 71st Macau Grand Prix. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
