As the 69^th Macau Grand Prix came to a close yesterday, spectators at the reservoir stands told The Macau Post Daily about how they felt about this year’s race event, while also noting what makes it important for the city. 

‘It was a very enjoyable day’

Speaking about yesterday’s event, Moreira, a 59-year-old Portuguese spectator, said that “it was a very enjoyable day” despite “a lot of delays”, which he said he understood due to the accidents. He also said that he wishes that there will be more foreign drivers coming to Macau next year. 

With this year’s edition having just a few drivers from other countries, Moreira said he thought that this year could be “a beginning”, hoping that the following edition will be better. Moreover, he added that the Grand Prix is something that should be continued for many years to come and that the event is “Macau’s sort of landmark event”, pointing out that when people talk about the city, “they always think about the Grand Prix”.

‘It’s fantastic to see such large crowds’

“It’s fantastic to see such large crowds come and gather to support such a great sporting event” said Curtis, who attended the local Grand Prix for the first time, adding that he thinks it is part of Macau’s heritage.

On its importance, the 29-year-old said he thought that the event boosts tourism and awareness of the sport. “I think it puts Macau, Hong Kong and [the rest of] China on the map in terms of motorsport”, underlining the current “up-and-coming talent there is and how much Asia can be influential in motorsports”. 

Not in the same level as previous years

Alvin, a local man aged 35, noted that despite the inclusion of more foreign racers this year, it was not in the same level as it was in years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, he added that there seemed to be more “serious crashes” this year.

Despite this, he highlighted the importance of the racing event in terms of tourism, which is what Macau’s economy relies on. With more people coming, Alvin said that it could improve the economy, which he said has been plummeting each year. 

‘It’s not as boring as after COVID’

In contrast, a local woman named Peyton, aged 24, said that she found the event to be more exciting and with more foreign racers, “it’s not as boring as the two years after COVID started”. She added that having more racers from other counties also makes the event “more competitive”.

She said she thought that the racing extravaganza is among the top three most important events in the city, as it is more than just tourism and therefore “a very important part of Macau”.

Excitement felt from the crowd

Meanwhile, Peng, a tourist from the mainland, said that the event was exciting, which she said she felt was shared with spectators at yesterday’s races. The-24-year-old noted that the event can bring in economic benefits to the city.

Spectators eagerly wait for racers to speed past the reservoir stand during yesterday’s 69th Macau Grand Prix. – Photo: Rui Pastorin

Photos taken yesterday by Rui Pastorin and Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee (MGPOC).