Vox pop by Armindo Neves, Khalel Vallo
The 72nd Macau Grand Prix (MGP) concluded its four-day run of “thrilling” races, as one interviewee put it, providing die-hard motor-racing fans and casual spectators alike with excitement through watching events ranging from the inaugural Macau Formula 4 Race - FIA F4 World Cup to the Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup.
Speaking with Post reporters yesterday, spectators around the Macau Grand Prix Building said that they enjoyed watching the motorsport event’s final day, with some highlighting their excitement in watching races up close for the first time in their life while being quick to add that they hope to return next year.
Tom, a Japanese spectator attending the Macau Grand Prix for the first time, pointed out his great excitement, acknowledging a particular fondness for the Macau GT Cup and Macau Formula 4 Race. “Having never been to a live race in Japan, I found the Macau Grand Prix even more thrilling”, Tom said.
A spectator, nicknamed “Pao Ge” (“Brother Cannon”), simply enjoyed the atmosphere and the smell of petrol at the venue, highlighting his satisfaction with all the races. He said that although a multi-car collision occurred during the GT race, he considered the good weather itself a major advantage for the racing event.
Another spectator, surnamed Chan from Macau, said that he found this year’s Macau Grand Prix exciting, with a particular focus on the Macau Guia Race and Macau GT Cup. Chan added an observation, which was that the trend for drivers nowadays seemed to be much younger, though their experience may be comparatively lacking.
Ray, a photography enthusiast, said that he was happy that the good weather this year allowed him to successfully capture the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix that was cancelled last year due to rain. Though Ray admitted that he’s not a hardcore motorsport fan, he photographed the races purely as a personal hobby, aiming to document the atmosphere. He modestly added that his work is not yet at a level he considers suitable for the 72nd Macau Grand Prix Photography Competition.
A spectator nicknamed “Ah Ting” said he was particularly interested in the Macau GT Cup as he’s a fan of Swiss driver Edoardo Mortara, aka “Mr. Macau”, though he felt it was a pity that his motor-racing idol couldn’t finish the race this year due to an incident. He was less satisfied with the Macau Roadsport Challenge, pointing out that the race was repeatedly interrupted, making it nearly impossible to complete a full racing lap.
The Post also spoke to spectators who have been coming to the Macau Grand Prix for a long time, particularly a young local couple who said they had been visiting the annual racing event since childhood.
Their first visit took place as schoolchildren. Speaking about yesterday’s experience, they highlighted that it was “much more interactive” than before, noting that nowadays some of the spectators can get far closer to the cars and even chat with drivers and engineers, which was something they said “never happened when we were younger.”
They added that they might be able to return next year if time allows, describing the Grand Prix as a tradition they have kept “every year” and calling this year’s visit a rare chance to experience the event up close in the paddock.
Meanwhile, former United States’ National Basketball Association (NBA) coach Jamal Boykin said he attended the races for the first time simply because he “loves Macau”.
“Any excuse I have to come to Macau, I’ll come, and I’ve never been to the Grand Prix”, Boykin said, adding that he loves cars, whether they’re fast or expensive. “I didn’t expect to be able to get so close to the cars. So, it’s exceeded my expectations already”.
Regarding the event’s energy level yesterday, its last day, he said that it was “high”, adding that he aimed to return next year with his relatives. “They have to experience this. I believe it’s top tier. And we have great weather, and beautiful cars.”
Crowds of fans wait for the cars to drive past the Reservoir Grand Stand. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
