The highly anticipated Formula 3 race at the Macau Grand Prix returns this weekend - Sunday 19th November, for the first time since the events of the COVID-19 outbreak back in 2020. And, it's quite fitting that it returns on the year the Macau GP is celebrating it's 70th anniversary; 38 of which Formula 3 have been involved in. However, since F3's last outing around the streets of Macau, the world of motorsport has changed, it's popularity rapidly increasing thanks to the success of the Netflix show "Drive to Survive." This year a whole new generation of motorsport fan will be able to witness as to why the Macau Grand Prix is THE race for junior drivers. But how did it come to be?
The Macau Grand Prix wasn't always about single seaters and junior drivers. The inaugural event, which was held in 1954, was a sports car focused event, aimed at attracting local motorsport enthusiasts. It wasn't until the mid-1960's, after a win by professional racer Mauro Bianchi (Jules Bianchi's grandfather), that professional racing drivers and teams also joined in on the Macau fun. And not only that, alongside car racing, a motorcycle race was also introduced, eventually making the Macau Grand Prix event one of the most famous in the world, alongside the likes of Le Mans, Indy 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. Ok, but maybe not as prestige.
In the 1970's, single seaters finally joined the frame with the Formula Libre and Formula Pacific racing categories. However, by 1983, Formula Pacific was starting to dissolve and eventually, despite the initial idea to bring in Formula 2, it would be Formula 3 that would become the feature race at the Macau Grand Prix.
But why Formula 3 over Formula 2? Simply, organisers were reluctant to make the large modifications that the circuit would need to host Formula 2. The Formula 3 car was smaller. Perfect for the street circuit, as it was. It was the decision to bring in Formula 3 that made the Macau Grand Prix the staple as we know it today.
The first Macau Grand Prix Formula 3 race was held in 1983, the winner being none other than Ayrton Senna, himself. Other past winners have included Michael Schumacher, David Coulthard, Ralf Schumacher, Takuma Sato, Luca Di Grassi and Antonio Felix da Costa - just to name a few. But, what is the one thing that these drivers and other Macau GP winners have in common? They've gone onto bigger and better things, giving the Macau Grand Prix the reputation of becoming the big race for junior drivers, the stepping stone to higher-ranking championships, such as Formula 2, Formula E and Formula 1. In fact, it would be difficult to find an F1 driver who hasn't raced around the streets of the Asian city.
But, like everything else in the world, Formula 3 in Macau was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak. It would go on to be postponed in 2021 and 2022. However, the racing in Macau carried on, hosting a round of China's Formula 4 championship, fielding only local drivers and teams. Come 2023, the borders had reopened and Formula 3 could finally return to Macau. This brings us to the present day, with organisers spreading the action over the course of two weekends. The first taking place the weekend just past.
This year's race is looking to be a good one, with a stellar line up including reigning Macau GP winner Richard Verschoor, as he attempts to become only one of a few drivers to gain multiple wins at the prestigious event. Other drivers to look out for include Dan Ticktum - previous double winner at Macau, Red Bull Juniors Isack Hadjar, Pepe Martí, Zane Maloney and Dennis Hauger, Marcus Armstrong - currently racing in Indy Car, Sophia Flörsch - the only female driver, as well as many more, what an exciting return for the Macau Grand Prix!
So, there you have it in a nutshell.
Are you interested in this race now, but you don't know where to watch? There will be plenty of livestreams on Sunday 19th November, from YouTube to the FIA websites.
I, for one, cannot wait!
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