Interview by Rui Pastorin
Two-time Macau Grand Prix winner Charles Leong Hon Chio hopes to secure his third win at this week’s 72nd Macau Grand Prix, being prepared to give his all, the young racer told the Post after yesterday’s “A Racing Legacy – SJM Theodore PREMA Racing Press Conference” at Grand Lisboa Palace (GLP) in Cotai.
Leong, 24, won the Macau Grand Prix both in 2020 and 2021. Last year was the first time he did not compete in the race. Achieving a successful racing season with SJM and Theodore Racing, an SJM statement provided yesterday noted that he is the winner of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Series.
Leong was born in Zhuhai but represents Macau.
With his return to the Guia Circuit to compete in the FIA FR World Cup under SJM Theodore PREMA Racing team, Leong said that being back in the city felt really special. “Coming back here is an honour, as well with such a legendary team”, adding: “I’m just going to give everything for this opportunity”.
Leong said that to prepare for the race, the team has done simulators and testing, switching back from GT to regional. Leong said he believes he will be able to adapt “quite nicely” and hopes to bring good results.
Moreover, with the Guia Circuit’s challenges, Leong said the hardest part is never knowing what to expect ranging from crashes to suddenly losing what was initially a good lap. “It’s just many things when you risk it here”. With this in mind, he highlighted the importance of being calm and patient during the races. “The most important thing is to be calm during the whole week so that you build up the pace and the result will come to you naturally”, he pointed out.
Leong also emphasised the importance of dedication and commitment towards a goal or passion: “Give it everything if you really like something. Be ready to sacrifice for what you are chasing. If you really like something, you have to give it everything”.
This is a mindset that extends beyond racing, with Leong highlighting that it is for a person and their character overall. “If you want to be someone special or you have a dream, or you really want to step up into something, or be a part of something. You have to give it everything”.
Yesterday’s press conference at GLP in Cotai introduced SJM Theodore PREMA Racing team’s lineup comprising Leong, the UK’s Freddie Slater and Abu Dhabi’s Rashid Al Dhaheri. SJM Theodore Racing’s Team President Teddy Yip Jr. also joined them yesterday.
All three drivers are set to race at the 15-lap FIA FR World Cup. During a discussion session, the trio spoke about the upcoming race and their approaches, what they are looking forward to, as well as how they are preparing.
SJM Managing Director Daisy Ho Chiu Fung remarked: “Alongside Theodore Racing, we are now in our eleventh year of partnership, having written many proud chapters in Macau’s racing story together”, adding that the company will continue to uphold its “multidimensional commitment to motorsport”.
The drivers then visited the “A Racing Legacy – Racing Cars Display”, which runs until November 30. They were joined by Leong’s teammate and co-champion of the 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asia Championship, Irish driver Alex Denning, all signing autographs in the ensuing meet-the-drivers’ session.
Local racer Charles Leong Hon Chio signs an autograph after yesterday’s “A Racing Legacy – SJM Theodore PREMA Racing Press Conference”.
SJM Theodore PREMA Racing team’s Charles Leong (right) and teammates Rashid Al Dhaheri (left) and Freddie Slater (2nd from left) pose with Irish racer Alex Denning and SJM’s mascot. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
