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The
Macau Grand Prix begins a brand new era with the 51st running of
the event and the unveiling of a range of major improvements to
the race programme, which this year will run from November 18 to
21.
The
FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3, dubbed the “jewel in
the F3 crown” and recognised as the testing ground for future
Formula 1 stars, takes on a new, improved format this year.
A 10-lap
Qualification Race, to determine the grid positions for Sunday’s
Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix, will be held on the Saturday afternoon.
Any driver retiring from the Qualification Race will be permitted
to start the Grand Prix itself from the back of the grid, ensuring
a full compliment of cars for the start of Sunday’s 15-lap
showdown.
Previously
the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix was run over two legs and, under
the regulations, the winner must have completed the maximum number
of laps in both legs in order to win. The format meant that any
driver who failed to finish leg one would not be eligible to take
overall victory, even if he crossed the finish line first in Leg
2.
The
new format is widely expected to add to the tension of the weekend,
and provide an even bigger incentive for all the teams to push to
the max in both the Qualification Race and Grand Prix itself.
Commented
Engineer João Manuel Costa Antunes, Co-Ordinator of the Macau
Grand Prix Committee: “The changes to the format of the Macau
Grand Prix will add tremendously to the excitement of the weekend.
The Qualification Race on Saturday will be just as hard-fought as
the Macau Grand Prix itself, with the drivers going all-out without
the fear of retirement precluding them from taking victory on Sunday.
It also means that we will have a full grid for Sunday’s race,
providing all the teams are able to repair any damage done on Saturday.
The new regulations simplify the event for racing fans. Now, whichever
driver crosses the finish line first at the end of Sunday’s
Macau Grand Prix is the victor. The new format will mean an even
more exciting event for spectators, television viewers and drivers
– and now it is spread over two days.”
Also
new to the regulations this year is a rule similar to that used
in Formula 1 whereby any team changing an engine during the weekend
is penalised by 10 starting grid positions.
The
second major change to the weekend’s race programme will be
warmly welcomed by two-wheel racing fans. The hugely popular Macau
Motorcycle Grand Prix, now in its 38th year and featuring the most
skilled and daring road racing riders on earth, moves to a Saturday
afternoon slot from its traditional early morning position. The
15-lap race will be run immediately after the Formula 3 Qualification
Race, giving fans two headline races on Saturday afternoon.
The
now legendary Guia Race, for leading international and regional
touring car drivers, was recently confirmed as the final round of
the new FIA World Touring Car Championship from next year. To bring
it in line with the new regulations for 2005, this year the race
will be held over two legs of 8 laps each on Sunday afternoon.
Further
information is available from the Official 51st Macau Grand Prix
Website at www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo
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