7 facts about the Macau Grand Prix to get your heart racing
The Guia Circuit has revved into life as it hosts the four-day 65th edition of the demanding motor racing event, which culminates in races this weekend
Famous for its long and fast straights, twisty narrow corners and variation in altitude, the Guia Circuit in Macau is one of the most challenging motor racing tracks in the world.
The street circuit is now staging this week’s Grand Prix Macau, a four-day event of activities and races, which started on Thursday and runs until Sunday.
The circuit will host six motorcycle and car races – three of which are official FIA World Cup events – featuring international racing drivers and motorcyclists from around the world.
Here are some interesting facts about the world-famous event, which is celebrating its 65th edition this year.
1. When the event was first held in October, 1954, it was a 51-lap amateur race for motor enthusiasts in the city and only 15 drivers took part.
At that time, the condition of the Guia Circuit was described in the official steward’s report as “very bad – mostly dirt and loose sand”.
By the 1970s, the race had exploded in popularity and conditions were much improved.