Macau Grand Prix: Chinese drivers set to roar as Hong Kong’s Darryl O’Young tries to make amends for 2020 disappointment
- Drivers mostly from Hong Kong, China and Macau are to feature in the 68th edition of the Macau Grand Prix amid Covid-19 restrictions
- Competitors will take part in six races over the Guia street circuit with the GT Cup, F4 and Guia race likely to attract the most attention
Chinese drivers can make their mark at this weekend’s Macau Grand Prix, Hong Kong Automobile Association Governor Lawrence Yu Kam-kei said – as Covid-19 restrictions result in a reduced field with most of the competitors coming from the mainland.
For the second year in a row, the Macau GP weekend will be held on a smaller scale with six races being staged on the streets of the famous tight and twisting Guia circuit.
A small number drivers are from Hong Kong, including Darryl O’Young in the Macau GT Cup. The Hong Kong drivers need to overcome the effects of a three-week quarantine period before taking to the streets when qualifying for the 68th Macau Grand Prix starts on Friday with two racing days over the weekend.
“The pandemic, with tight quarantine measures, is one of the reasons so many mainland drivers are taking part in Macau but motor racing is growing fast in China,” said Yu. “They have produced more drivers in the sport and with more than 10 racing circuits in the country, they have sufficient training and competition for their drivers to perform well despite the pandemic. They may create some surprises in Macau this year.
“But of course, Hong Kong drivers always have a place in Macau due to our long tradition in motor racing and O’Young will be the one to watch in the powerful GT race because of his vast international experience. But he also suffers because of the pandemic and having not had any racing in the region. He will need to adjust his form, physically and mentality, as quickly as possible when he takes to the starting grid.”
