Macao, a liberal enclave in Chinese territory, is known as a gambling capital, but also for hosting the famous Grand Prix bearing its name. This race is famous because it takes place in the town itself on a circuit that is long, rapid and formed by a narrow track with hardly any spare space in front of the crash barriers, which makes it particularly spectacular and dangerous. The racing programme on 17 and 18 November was extremely dense, with several international events (in WTCC and Formula 3 in particular) as well as local races, in Touring and GT. These car races were completed by a motorcycle race requiring daredevil riders: those who participated were the ones who customarily defy the laws of physics on the Isle of Man circuit.
In this programme followed by thousands of enthusiasts, Motul supported technically two teams in WTCC: Honda, and Bamboo Engineering. At this last event of the season, Tiago Monteiro clinched for Honda a superb performance by podiuming in race one and coming 4th in race two. Alessandro Mariani, team manager, commented, 'The car design and engine production didn't begin till February, the first laps didn't take place till July, so the Civic has shown its competitiveness very fast.'
Turning to the motorcycle race, Motul supported five riders: Conor Cummins (Tyco Suzuki), Rico Penzkofer, Matsushita Yoshinari, Joao Fernandes (Penz13 Racing Team) and Brandon Cretu. The 26 year old Manxman, Cummins, managed to come 6th and stated: 'The week has been difficult and I'm a bit disappointed with the result, but pleased to have finished. I can now peacefully prepare for next season'. The German rider, Rico Penzkofer, had decided to stop competing at the end of this Grand Prix which he finished 17th. 'After all I've been racing for 17 years! The main thing is that I saw the chequered flag here, for my farewell to racing'. Penzkofer remains in the racing world, as a team manager in the World Endurance Championship.
Photo credits: suzuki-racing.com
