The coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee, in an interview with PLATAFORMA, highlights the return of some races, but also the return of foreign drivers. “It reinforces the message that the Macau SAR is a safe and desirable destination for visitors,” points out Pun Weng Kun
Read PLATFORMA’s Supplement about the Macau Grand Prix here.
-Once again, the Macau Grand Prix has weathered the pandemic and moves into its 69th edition. Was there any doubt that this could happen?
Pun Weng Kun – The Macau Grand Prix Organizing Committee (MGPC) remained optimistic and preparations continued on schedule for this year’s Grand Prix. Naturally, we continue to maintain constant contact with the health authorities to ensure that not only the event, but all the preparation work, complies with current protocols.
-Did the most recent pandemic outbreak bring setbacks in the organization of the event or other parallel activities?
P.W.K. – Although it created an additional workload, thanks to the diligent and professional work of our health authorities, the cooperation of the local community, and the great efforts of all our colleagues in the COGPM, who worked so hard to resolve any problems and make up for lost time, the most recent outbreak did not cause any disruption in the preparation for the Grand Prix. Everything remains on schedule.
-The budget for the event is slightly higher than last year. One of the reasons for this was to “promote the development of different industries to help accelerate economic recovery.” Can you elaborate?
P.W.K. -We are very pleased that this year we are returning to the traditional four-day format, which includes a seven-race program. The expanded format, plus the return of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, has inevitably incurred some additional expense. However, hosting such an impressive motorsport event, plus the inclusion of foreign drivers, reinforces the message that the Macau SAR is a safe and desirable destination for visitors. We believe this will subsequently result in increased visitor arrivals in the short, medium and long term, which will benefit our tourism industry and bring additional patronage to local businesses.
-Was the support of the gaming concessionaires important for the event?
P.W.K. – Every year the support of the major entertainment and hotel operators in Macau is appreciated. We look forward to helping the concessionaires further expand their involvement in the city’s largest international and annual sporting event.
-Among the major events Macau has hosted over the years, the Grand Prix is certainly one of the most successful. However, given the current context of the city, its ability to reach new heights has been discussed among experts. In the context of the international development of the race, are there any projects you can share?
P.W.K. – If we look at the 69-year history of the Macau Grand Prix, we can see that it has continuously developed to remain at the forefront of international motorsport. As the only street circuit race that includes cars and motorcycles, it remains unmatched. Being able to host two FIA World Cups, such as those of Formula 3 and GT, as well as a round of the FIA WTCR as well, is a unique achievement.
However, the COGPM never stands still. We are in constant communication with the FIA and the organizers of the world’s most prestigious championship. In the future, we will ensure that the Macau Grand Prix continues to include world-class racing in various disciplines.
-The Motorcycle Grand Prix race is back at the event. Others such as Formula 3 are still out. For the 70th anniversary of the competition, do you have plans to reinstate all the races that were cancelled by the pandemic?
P.W.K. – The FIA has made it clear that as soon as international travel protocols allow, they wish to see the FIA World Cups in Formula 3 and GT reinstated at the Macau Grand Prix. We are therefore confident that they will remain as two of our premier races as soon as it becomes logistically feasible.
-The race will also have new blood with the reinstatement of foreign drivers. In total, how many are participating in this edition?
P.W.K. – We have 15 international riders for the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 54th Edition. In addition, we are pleased to welcome ‘Mr. Macau’, Edoardo Mortara, four-time GT Macau Cup champion; two-time champion, Maro Engel; and 2019 champion, Raffaele Marciello.