Macau Grand Prix set to roar

The action moves outside of the integrated resorts for a change this week in Macau, as the 54th Macau Grand Prix takes place. Tens of thousands of motor racing fans from around the world are expected to join the tens of thousands of regular visitors squeezing through the ferry terminal every day, and the city is undoubtedly going to break visitor records. (With the Venetian’s ferries not yet running, it promises to be an experience to remember only for those who have had the wisdom to book Turbojet ferry tickets online at www.turbojetbooking.com.)

Macau is the only racing venue in the world where Formula 3 cars (with drivers dreaming of F1 fame), sports cars and motorcycles race around the same streets for four solid days of extreme thrills –and spills. Thursday and Friday are practice and qualifying days, with the main events taking place on Saturday and Sunday, concluding with the F3 race at 3.30 pm on Sunday.

This is an event where past F1 champions have made their names, Michael Schumacher being among them. Perhaps the most famous, however, was the late great Ayrton Senna. This year’s race promises to be special, as Senna’s nephew, Bruno Senna, is taking part. The younger Senna only got back into racing 10 years after his uncle’s death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, and says he plans to be in F1 by 2009.

It is a great time to visit Macau, even if you are not a racing fan, as parties are being held all over town and the atmosphere of the city is truly remarkable. For more racing details, see: www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo