Macau Grand Prix to Celebrate Golden Jubilee in November

Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Fernando Chui Sai On, announced that the 50th Macao Grand Prix, schedule for November 8 to 16 this year, would be a carnival held in celebration of the event's Golden Jubilee.

The Macau Grand Prix Committee today (March 19), held its first press conference of the year, introducing the programme and other details of the 50th Macau Grand Prix to the media.

Speaking at the press conference, Fernando Chui also announced that the International Fireworks Contest, Food Festival, and a series of cultural and other events would be held during the Grand Prix this year, in order to further develop sports tourism in the SAR.

"The Macau Grand Prix is not only a prestigious international sporting event, but also an effective way to promote Macao's reputation as an international travel destination around the world," said the Secretary.

He also announced that Macao, which has fifty years' experience of international motorsport, would provide training, and organisational and technical assistance to Shanghai, which will host a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship in 2004.

"I believe there is great potential in the relationship between Macao and Shanghai, and we can promote international motorsport together" said the Secretary.

Coordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Committee, Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, further elaborated on provisional plans for the 50th Macau Grand Prix. Four Historic and Classic Car races will be held on November 8 and 9, namely the Macau & Hong Kong Classic Car, Asia Pacific Classic Car, and Historic Car events, he said, adding that several of the classic cars would be exhibited at various venues. The Hotel Fortuna Trophy and the Tourism Office Cup races would be scheduled for the same weekend.

The Coordinator announced that other races, such as the Formula 3 Grand Prix, Guia Race, the Motorcycle Grand Prix, the Asian Formula Renault Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, and the new Macau and Hong Kong Novice Interport Race would be held from November 13 to 16.

"In order to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, the International Fireworks Contest will be held on November 1, 9, 12, 16, and 22, with the Food Festival running from the November 7 to 23," said the Coordinator. "We hope that, through these spectacular events, both Macao residents and visitors alike will experience the excitement of the Macau Grand Prix."

The Macau Grand Prix is held continuously once a year since 1954, which is organized in the only urban circuit featuring Motorcycle race, Touring Car and Formula 3 at the same event.

Along with the celebration of the Macau Grand Prix Golden Jubilee, a mixture of arts, sports and entertainment, there are also attractive programmes such as Food Festival and the well-known International Fireworks Display Contest. These magnificent activities will take place from 8th to 16th November 2003, giving you an experience of a memorable and enjoyable Carnival in Macau.

Members of the Macau Grand Prix Committee also presided over the opening ceremony of a Macau Grand Prix Posters and Pictures Exhibition held at the Senado Square in the afternoon.

In addition, the 50th Macau Grand Prix Poster Design Campaign was launched and interested parties may submit their work no later than April 23.

2003-03-19 17:37:28