Written By Hugh Waring, Edited by Meghana Sree
Image: Red Bull
Formula 3 is set to make a highly anticipated return to the prestigious Macau Grand Prix after a four-year absence, as confirmed by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile). The event, scheduled for November 2023, will mark the renewal of a beloved tradition in motorsport.
Although the race will not be part of the official Formula 3 Championship, which concludes in September at Monza, it will be sanctioned by the FIA. This exciting development comes as a result of a three-year agreement between the FIA, the Automobile General Association Macao-China, and the Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee.
The Macau Grand Prix has a storied history and has served as a platform for rising talent to showcase their skills. Legendary figures of Formula 1, such as Ayrton Senna (1983) and Michael Schumacher (1990), have triumphed on the challenging Guia Circuit, leaving their mark on this iconic venue.
The previous Formula 3 race held in Macau, back in 2019, featured current Formula 1 drivers Yuki Tsunoda and Logan Sargeant. Sargeant secured an impressive third-place finish, with Richard Verschoor taking the win and Juri Vips claiming second.
Amid the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Macau Grand Prix continued its legacy. However, due to logistical reasons, the Chinese F4 series replaced Formula 3 in the roster during this period. With the return of Formula 3 to its traditional format, fans can once again enjoy the thrilling action brought by the young and talented drivers in this prestigious event.
The FIA's single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, expressed his delight at the reintroduction of the FIA Formula 3 World Cup in Macau. Recognising the rich history between Macau and Formula 3, Tombazis emphasised that the event has long been the highlight of the junior single-seater calendar. This sentiment was echoed by Pun Weng Kun, the coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee, who stated: “I look forward to continuing working with the FIA in finalising the details of the return of the events, and to welcoming elite drivers to compete on our world-renowned Guia Circuit.”
The 2023 Macau Grand Prix will span two weekends, with the Formula 3 races scheduled to take place from 16th to 19th November. The inclusion of Formula 3 in the event lineup is expected to reignite the excitement and thrill that has made the Macau Grand Prix a must-watch for motorsport enthusiasts around the world.
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