Final preparations are underway for the FIA Formula 3 World Cup and the FIA GT World Cup as the iconic Guia street track is set to challenge drivers over four action-packed days of the 70th Macau Grand Prix. Both FIA categories feature impressive line-ups with several previous winners included.
More Macau Grand Prix history will be made this week (November 16-19) with the return of the FIA Formula 3 and FIA GT World Cups to the famous street racing event.
The iconic Macau Grand Prix has taken place without its two headlining races since 2020 due to restrictions resulting from the global health pandemic. But FIA F3 and GT are back as the event celebrates its 70th edition with packed entries in both categories.
From Thursday until Sunday, some of F3 and GT racing’s best drivers and their teams will be in action on the Guia Circuit, considered as one of the most demanding street tracks in use.
The 6.12-kilometre layout combines tight and twisty sections with long straights and high-speed corners. It requires engineers to develop a compromised car set-up and drivers to perfectly balance pace and precision.
Featuring a list of former winners including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard, Macau’s flagship F3 race remains a key proving ground for young talents aiming for Formula One. Indeed, three of the drivers who took part in the last FIA Formula 3 World Cup in 2019 – Liam Lawson, Logan Sargeant and Yuki Tsunoda – have raced in Formula One this season.
While there are multiple double winners, no F3 driver has won the Macau Grand Prix more than two times. Dan Ticktum, who triumphed in 2017 and 2018, is aiming to change that.
“It’s one of the most prestigious races outside Formula One with a lot of history,” said the Rodin Carlin driver from Great Britain. “To win it again would be to say ‘you’re the only person who’s done it three times’ and it would only be positive for my career. But it’s the most difficult track in the world and it’s incredibly rewarding when you get it right.”
Five manufacturers and all previous winners of the FIA GT World Cup have assembled in Macau. They include Raffaele Marciello, who triumphed in 2019.
“The Guia Circuit is fantastic,” said Marciello, who will be making his final outing as an official Mercedes-AMG driver during this weekend’s FIA GT World Cup. “Normally you go through with really low downforce, so the track is really tricky to drive. It is very special to go there as the event is run as the FIA GT World Cup again. Macau will be amazing this year, a nice show for everyone.”
KEY TIMINGS
FIA Formula 3 World Cup
Thursday, November 16
09:00 – 09:45: Free Practice 1
15:15 – 15:55: Qualifying 1
Friday, November 17
09:30 – 10:10: Free Practice 2
15:05 – 15:45: Qualifying 2
Saturday, November 18
15:50: Qualification Race (10 laps, grid decided by combined qualifying order)
Sunday, November 19
15:30: FIA Formula 3 World Cup (15 laps, grid decided by results of Qualification Race)
FIA GT World Cup
Thursday, November 16
12:15 – 12:45: Free Practice 1
16:10 – 16:40: Free Practice 2
Friday, November 17
14:05 – 14:35: Qualifying
Saturday, November 18
14:05: Qualification Race (12 Laps, grid decided by qualifying order)
Sunday, November 19
12:05: FIA Formula GT World Cup (16 laps, grid decided by results of Qualification Race)
RECENT WINNERS
FIA Formula 3 World Cup
2019: Richard Verschoor (NLD)
2018: Dan Ticktum (GBR)
2017: Dan Ticktum (GBR)
2016: António Félix da Costa (PRT)
2015: Felix Rosenqvist (SWE)
FIA GT World Cup
2019: Raffaele Marciello (CHE) Mercedes-AMG
2018: Augusto Farfus (BRA) BMW
2017: Edoardo Mortara (CHE) Mercedes-Benz
2016: Laurens Vanthor (BEL) Audi
2015: Maro Engel (DEU) Mercedes-Benz
