Automakers still betting big on Macau
The 69th Macau Grand Prix will not host an FIA WorldCup, but as a global platform it will be once a great opportunity for carmanufacturers to promote their racing products.
“Macau is always a brilliant event and this yearshould be no different. It’s great to have five cars representing PorscheMotorsport Asia Pacific this weekend,” said Alexandre Gibot, Managing DirectorPorsche Motorsport Asia Pacific Ltd., in a team statement.
The prestigious German automaker is represented by two911 GT3 R cars in the Macau GT Cup – Galaxy Entertainment and three GT4 entriesfrom customer teams in the Melco Greater Bay GT Race.
On the other side of the paddock, rival German manufacturer Audi is also taking this year’s Macau Grand Prix very seriously as it will be Guia Circuit debuts for R8 LMS GT3 evo II and RS 3 LMS gen II models.
International stars Edoardo Mortara and Cheng Congfu are headlining a five-strong Audi entry in Macau GT Cup. The grids for both the Macau Guia Race and the Macau Touring Car Cup will also feature 16 Audi RS 3 LMS customer entries for what promises to be an exhilarating four days of motorsport.
“The Macau Grand Prix remains one of the biggestspectacles in global motorsport. This is clearly underlined by the commitmentof our customers, with a record-equalling 21 Audi entries for the event thisyear,” said Alexander Blackie, Manager of Audi Sport customer racing Asia.“With Edo Mortara joined by Cheng Congfu, we believe we have assembled a dreamteam of global and Chinese motorsport talent to compete for the GT Cup.”
Despite keeping a lower profile, Mercedes-Benz Group’s AMG Customer Racing will also have a strong representation in the event. Mercedes-AMG factory drivers Raffaele Marciello and Maro Engel will take part in this weekend’s Macau GT Cup, driving for local customer teams.
Mercedes-Benz enjoys a huge and successful history on the Circuito da Guia dating back to the 1960s.
But it is not only European brands that are bettingbig on the Macau event. Chinese car brands Lynk & Co, SAIC and MG havea very strong presence in this year’s edition of the Macau Touring Car Cup –Chinese Touring Car Championship – Wynn with factory support entries.
