Interview by Khalel Vallo
As the 72nd Macau Grand Prix (MGP) continues on the Guia Circuit through Sunday, international racers shared their first impressions and challenges with the Post, highlighting the circuit’s intensity, technical difficulty, and thrill that define one of the world’s most iconic urban street races.
For Argentina’s Gino Trappa, who competes in the Macau Formula 4 Race – FIA F4 World Cup, the event marks his debut on the 6.2-kilometre circuit. “It’s very challenging, for sure, but also I think it’s very enjoyable, because this is such an opportunity that I can take a lot of advantage of and learn a lot,” he said. He described the track as unlike anything he has experienced before.
According to Trappa, maintaining control near the walls is one of his greatest tests, adding that “you can be suddenly very, very close, and you lose your weekend, you know?”
Meanwhile, Belgian racer Alessio Picariello, competing in the Macau GT Cup – FIA GT World Cup, returned for his fourth appearance in Macau. “For me, it’s the best racing track in the world. It’s one of the most unique events, and it’s also the GT World Cup, so it’s always a pure pleasure to come back here,” he told the Post. Picariello added that while competition has intensified over the years, the circuit remains as demanding as ever. “Competition is getting stronger and stronger, it is nice to see more and more different manufacturers, but the track stays the same, as difficult, as challenging as always,” Picariello said.
He also highlighted the Mandarin Oriental Bend as a particular test of focus. “Mandarin is really nice, but also very scary. It’s easy to lose focus, brake five metres too late, and then be in the wall – and your weekend could be over.”
For French driver Alexander Munoz, who is also competing in the F4 race, his first experience on the Guia Circuit was “eye-opening,” pointing out that “the track is really difficult. When you’re driving, you’re at the limits. Compared to normal tracks, where you have a lot of runoff areas, you have to be really precise here,” he said. He also said that the main challenge during the race is “perfection under pressure”. “Just put all together and do not do mistakes. It’s going to be harder than the normal track to put the perfect lap,” he said.
Belgian racer Alessio Picariello in a Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) takes part in the Macau GT Cup – FIA GT World Cup practice race on the Guia Circuit yesterday. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
