63 SUPPLEMENT THU 17.11.2016

PREVIEW | FIA GT WORLD CUP Mercedes-AMG Driving Academy team heads the field RENATO MARQUES RENATO 63 Renato Marques borghini has stated that it ex- pects good results from pairing LTHOUGH a field of the car know-how of Bortolotti 23 cars is set to take with the circuit experience of the streets of Ma- Couto. The decision certainly cau by storm for the seems like a logical one if the secondA season of the FIA GT manufacturer has their sights World Cup, the battle for the set on the manufacturer’s title. win is likely to be restricted to From the manufacturers lea- two out of the four manufactu- gue there will be other ma- rers in competition. chines and their drivers that The favorite is definitively the special notice should be paid Mercedes-AMG Driving Aca- to; the Ferrari 488 GT3 driven demy team with the German by the Thai Pasin Lathouras, two-time Macau winner and the Bentley Continental GT3 reigning champion driven by HK’s Adderly Fong, heading the field alongside his and the BMW M6 GT3 dri- teammate Renger van der Zan- de. Experienced and driving one To challenge of the best cars from the lineup, the Mercedes drivers seem to the Mercedes have an easy path to victory. To challenge the Mercedes team, is team, Audi is bringing their best hand; the Italian winner of bringing their the title of “Mr Macau,” Edoar- best hand do Mortara. Mortara will team up with another great driver, Belgium’s Laurens Vanthoor. ven by Dutch Nicky Catsburg. Both will be driving Audi Sport These standouts will try to The mighty new Mercedes-AMG GT3 were exhibited at Tap Seac Square before the race Team WRT Audi R8’s LMS. battle their way to a podium If the Mercedes and are finish amid a group of other PREVIEW set to take the lead, surprises Porsches, Audis, Ferraris and may arise for the Porsche side, BMWs. who has former Le Mans win- The big disappointments ner and Porsche protégé Earl came over the poor results Bamber together with Fren- from Bentley last year, despite FIA GT World Cup – Mercedes-AMG chman Kévin Estre taking their racing a good group of Conti- 997 GT3Rs up the field. nental GT3, as well as the miss Although the odds are of the Aston Martin raced by Driving Academy team heads the field not so much on their side, Craft-Bamboo Racing who this Bamber and Estre may use year will instead race two Pors- all their experience to se- che 997 GT3R. hands of another great racer, two more Audi R8 LMS to the point system. This year, the cure an unexpected win. Last year Craft-Bamboo took the British Richard Lyons. grid, which is already domina- prize will be decided by a more For the first time, Lamborghi- the two Aston Martins to third In addition to the more fami- ted by seven cars from the Ger- standard overall classification. ni will be participating in the and fifth places overall thanks liar faces, newcomers Fabian man manufacturer. The GTs will start to roar on World Cup. The Italian manu- to the fancy footwork of Ste- Plentz and Tommy Tulpe will This year, the FIA has chan- Friday (November 18), when facturer will bring their factory fan Mucke and Darryl O’ You- race under the colors of ano- ged the rules in terms of how the qualifying session for the driver Mirko Bortolotti and ng. This time without Mucke, ther newcomer, German Team the title of the FIA GT World Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World local driver André Couto to the wheel of the second Cra- HCB-Rutronik-Racing. HCB- Cup for manufacturers will be Cup will be held. It is a session drive the Huracán GT3s. Lam- ft-Bamboo car will be in the Rutronik-Racing will present decided, abandoning the 2015 that will be decisive, since the

Future of Guia Race on the line as TCR pulls out

Renato Marques ries after only two years of ture of the “Guia Race.” from the TCR Series came its presence on the Macau Although rumored already during the unveiling of the HE announced depar- Grand Prix program is rai- for some time, the confirma- 2017 TCR Asia Series calen-

Tture from the TCR Se- sing questions about the fu- tion of the removal of Macau dar. In it there are several ARCHIVE PHOTO changes that include a remo- val of the Macau round as well as two new visits to mainland ONE SHOT NEWS China during the months of August and September next year for the races of Zhejiang (brand-new circuit) and the Season Finale which will ha- ppen in Shanghai. The WTCC series could be back to Macau (pictured: 2012 race) “TouringCarTimes,” which specializes in Touring Car lendar unveiling the CEO world this year and the recent racing series, citing sources of the event promoter WSC announcements about the from within the TCR Se- Asia Ltd, David Sonenscher inclusion of such iconic mar- ries, said the key reasons for said: “We’re proud to have ques as Audi, Peugeot and pulling out of Macau are the been the first TCR regional Kia alongside incumbents like rule changes which came into championship and to be con- , Honda, Ford, force for this year’s edition tinuing to break new ground Alfa Romeo, Opel and Seat, which allowed the inclusion in Asia with a concept that has things for TCR are just going of cars from other series, na- proven especially successful to continue to improve and mely the CTCC (China Tou- around the world.” He con- with that, TCR Asia will beco- ring Car Championship). cluded by noting, “with the me one of the fastest growing Racers took part in the four headline races of the 63rd Macau Grand Prix interact with local students during a At the TCR Asia 2017 Ca- visit to the Anim’Arte Nam Van, taking part in a pedal boat race. expansion of TCR around the categories in the region.” II thu 17.11.2016

Q&A ANDRÉ COUTO ‘I always try to win; that is the team’s objective’

ACAU driver André Couto is already a Mveteran participant in the Macau Grand Prix, having won the F3 race in 2000. The Ma- canese hero is back, this time behind the wheel of a Huracán GT3s. On the eve of the race’s beginning, Couto was interviewed by Macau journalists and talked about his objecti- ves for the upcoming race.

– What do you expect of your participa- tion in the GT race this year? André Couto (AC) – Let’s see how I will adapt to the car. I have never raced with this car. It’s not going to be easy but the team is well prepared. Let’s see if I can do something good.

– Which result would be satisfactory? AC – I always try to win, that is the team’s objective. This must be gradual work, starting Maro Engel (left) and Renger van der Zande with the practice, then the qualifying, the races.

PREVIEW – Have you tested the Lamborghini? AC – I tested it in Italy for around one hour. It’s better than no training at all. But it was a short time to test the limits of the car. However, ch don’t help. The tarmac also causes a lot of it was enough to make an impression about the spray. Nowadays it is possible to choose the FIA GT World Cup – Mercedes-AMG car. I liked it. At first sight it is more pleasant type of tarmac. There are circuits that use top to drive than the McLaren [which Couto drove quality tarmac, which absorbs the water and last year]. reduces the spray. That is safer. Since Macau is Driving Academy team heads the field dangerous, because it is a city track, I guess it – Are Mercedes and Audi the favorites could have top quality tarmac. for the GT race? size of the cars means that it A qualification race of 12 laps, AC – I think so, bearing in mind the history – What is your take on the future of is almost impossible to over- or a maximum of one hour, that they have in Macau, those are the main motor racing in Macau? take throughout most of the takes place on Saturday (No- teams that are usually fast in Macau. Porsche AC – The Macau Grand Prix is a large event circuit (an exception being the vember 19) with the results de- has a line up of four racers and then there’s and I wish that the best Macau racers could be braking point at the Lisboa ciding the grid for the final and Lamborghini. Let’s see what we can pull out. placed in the main categories. That is not ha- bend). main event to be held on Sun- ppening a lot. Macau drivers must do a lot of Before the qualifying session day (November 20), which in- – How do you assess track conditions? ‘gymnastics’ to be able to be here. I think that is there will two 30-minute ses- cludes an 18-lap, or maximum AC – The tarmac is not good, it is very une- why, for example, Rudolfo [a local driver, sur- sions of free practice. 75 minute race. ven. If it rains a lot it creates puddles, whi- named Ávila] will not race this year.

The third season of the series will begin in Sepang, Malay- Future of Guia Race on the line as TCR pulls out sia, moving onto South Korea, Grand Prix stamps to be issued before two events in Thailand; the first at the Chang Interna- ACAU Post will issue a set other special initiatives to comme- tional Circuit and the second Mof commemorative stamps morate the race’s golden jubilee. at the famous street circuit celebrating the 50th edition of the One of these, a commemorative of Bangsaen (a circuit with Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix. Macau Pass package of two cards many similarities to Macau’s). The stamps will be available for will feature designs depicting TCR made its appearance purchase from tomorrow. 2015’s winner Peter Hickman on in Macau in 2015, replacing The postage stamps will featu- his charge to victory and a picture the WTCC (World Touring re five former champions of the from last year’s Motorcycle Grand Car Championship) category competition; Michael Rutter ri- Prix showing 2013 winner Ian Hu- which, after ten-year racing ding his Ducati 998 to victory in tchinson, Michael Rutter and John in the region as a “Season Fi- 2003, inaugural winner Hiroshi McGuiness at the famous Lisboa nale”, decided to switch the Hasegawa on his winning Yamaha Bend. The WTCC series could be back to Macau (pictured: 2012 race) last event of the season with a in 1967, Mick Grant on his Kawa- The two-card package retails for night-race at the Losail circuit saki 750 in 1977, Ron Haslam, who MOP110 and is available from Ma- world this year and the recent in Qatar. won six times, on his Roc Elf Hon- cau Pass vendors from today. announcements about the The move from TCR opens da 4 in 1987, and 1988 winner and Leather workshop Worker Play- inclusion of such iconic mar- the door to FIA (which has former 500cc World Champion ground is separately marking the ques as Audi, Peugeot and been more involved in the Kevin Schwantz on his Suzuki 500 golden jubilee of the road race with Kia alongside incumbents like organization of the Macau RGR. a new merchandise collection that Volkswagen, Honda, Ford, Grand Prix this year) to add to The limited edition stamps were includes a leather motorcycle ja- Alfa Romeo, Opel and Seat, the current two-series “World announced at a press conference cket, a hooded sweatshirt, leather things for TCR are just going Cup.” A third race could be attended by the president of Spor- key chain and gloves, and a range to continue to improve and dedicated to touring cars ts Bureau, Pun Weng Kun, and the of t-shirts emblazoned with vin- with that, TCR Asia will beco- Other reports speculate that director of Macau Post, Lau Vai tage images of the Grand Prix. A me one of the fastest growing WTCC might consider a re- Meng. stand located around the Guia Cir- Michael Rutter (left) and Mick Grant are two of the former winners featuring on the categories in the region.” turn to Macau. The stamps are one of many cuit will be selling the items. commemorative stamp set

III thu 17.11.2016 63 PREVIEW TCR International Series - A four-way ‘tango’

Renato Marques (November 17) for a 30-mi- nute free practice session. HE battle for the second A second practice session will Tseason TCR International follow tomorrow, while the Series title will be decided on qualifying session will run on Macau’s street circuit. the morning of Saturday with Two pairs of teammates – a Q1 session of 25 minutes James Nash and Pepe Orio- followed by a Q2 session of 15 la of Craft-Bamboo Lukoil, more minutes (reserved for and Stefano Comini and the 12 fastest during the Q1). Jean-Karl Vernay of Leopard The two back-to-back races Racing – will face off in a will take place on Sunday four-way “tango” on the way morning with the finishing to the championship finale. order of Race 1 determining SEAT’s Nash goes into the the grid for Race 2. The pri- last two rounds of the season tion, it is expected that Orio- Honda Civic and other SEAT this year’s TCR Germany title. ze will be the 50 points that with a lead of 17 points over la and Vernay think that they cars, while the Volkswagen TCR cars are set to hit the will determine the 2016 Sea- last year’s champion, Comini. are not out of the fight yet, Golf cars weigh only 1285 kg. Guia Circuit this morning son King. In third and fourth, with and they will be waiting for Last year, Comini was crow- 16 points of difference be- the right opportunity to pro- ned the first ever TCR cham- tween them are Oriola and ve it. pion in a thrilling final round Vernay the latter of whom is Comini sees a big task during which plenty of action ONE SHOT NEWS 39 points off the lead. Both ahead of him, as the cur- was seen both on the track and Oriola and Vernay know rent championship leader in the pits. that the title will probably Nash will be the only driver As on previous occasions, escape them this year, and carrying “Success Ballast” the Season finale will attract so both will likely be tasked during the Macau events. guest drivers. This time Por- with helping their teamma- Nash will see 30 extra kilos tugal’s Tiago Monteiro will tes try to secure the title. added to his SEAT León as he leave his other Civic (WTCC) But mathematic possibilities emerged as scored the best to be in the third WestCoast are not real possibilities, and in the previous race meeting Racing Honda while British in a circuit like Macau whe- held in Sepang, Malaysia. driver Josh Files will bring to re a small race event might Nash’s SEAT will weigh 1345 Macau the Target Competi- Former winners of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix pose for a group photograph result in a serious complica- kg, against the 1315 kg of the tion Honda with which he won during a celebration event yesterday to mark the 50th edition of the race.

NOVEMBER 17 - 20

17th of November (Thursday) 18th of November (Friday) 06:00 Circuit Closed 06:00 Circuit Closed 06:30 - 07:00 Circuit Inspection 06:30 - 07:00 Circuit Inspection 07:30 - 08:30 Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix - 50th 07:30 - 08:15 Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix - 50th Edition - Practice Edition - Qualifying 08:50 - 09:20 Suncity Group Chinese Racing Cup - Practice 08:40 - 09:10 Suncity Group Chinese Racing Cup - Qualifying 09:35 - 10:15 Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - FIA F3 09:35 - 10:15 Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - FIA F3 World Cup - Practice World Cup - Practice 10:30 - 11:10 Suncity Group Macau Road Sport Challenge - 10:40 - 11:10 SJM Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup - Practice Practice 11:35 - 12:05 Suncity Group Macau Road Sport Challenge - 11:25 - 11:55 Suncity Group Macau Guia Race 2.0T - Practice Qualifying 12:30 - 13:00 SJM Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup - Practice 12:30 - 13:00 Suncity Group Macau Guia Race 2.0T - Practice 13:20 - 14:00 CTM Macau Touring Car Cup - Practice 13:55 - 14:25 CTM Macau Touring Car Cup - Qualifying 14:20 - 15:00 Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - FIA F3 14:55 - 15:25 SJM Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup - Qualifying World Cup - Qualifying 15:55 - 16:35 Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - FIA F3 15:45 - 16:30 Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix - 50th World Cup - Qualifying Edition - Qualifying 18:00 Circuit Opened 18:00 Circuit Opened

19thof November (Saturday) 20nd of November (Sunday) 06:00 Circuit Closed 06:00 Circuit Closed 06:30 - 07:00 Circuit Inspection 06:30 - 07:00 Circuit Inspection 07:30 - 08:30 Suncity Group Macau Guia Race 2.0T - Qualifying 07:00 - 07:30 Safety and Rescue Cars - Testing laps 09:00 - 09:50 Suncity Group Macau Road Sport Challenge - 10 laps 08:30 - 09:30 CTM Macau Touring Car Cup - 12 laps 10:20 - 11:10 Suncity Group Chinese Racing Cup - 10 laps 10:00 - 12:00 Suncity Group Macau Guia Race 2.0T - 2 Races of 10 11:20 - 11:40 Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix - 50th laps each with 15 minutes break between Races Edition - Warm Up 12:55 - 14:15 SJM Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup - 18 laps 12:10 - 13:10 SJM Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup - 14:15 - 14:40 Parade Qualification Race 12 laps 15:10 - 15:25 Lion Dance 13:50 - 14:40 Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - FIA F3 15:30 - 16:30 Suncity Group Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix - FIA F3 World Cup - Qualification Race - 10 laps World Cup - 15 laps 14:40 - 15:05 Parade 18:00 Circuit Opened 15:30 - 16:30 Suncity Group Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix - 50th Edition - 12 laps 18:00 Circuit Opened

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