The Schumachers - Michael and Ralf - have been here, done it and then gone on to conquer the world of Formula One racing. Today, another German, Marco Wittmann, will attempt to follow in their footsteps by winning the showpiece Formula Three event at the 58th Macau Grand Prix.
'I can't look too far ahead [to Formula One]. I will have to see where my future takes me, but yes, for sure, winning in Macau will be a huge boost to my career. It is important to win here,' said Wittmann after storming to pole position in the qualification race yesterday.
Wittmann led in every lap and that means the 21-year-old from Furth, Germany, will start in the coveted pole position for the race. If everything goes to plan, like it did yesterday, Wittmann will hope to get off to a blazing start, be the first to get to Lisboa Corner, and then dictate the race from then on.
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, widely regarded as one of the best Formula One drivers, cut his teeth in Macau in 1990. His younger brother Ralf, who also went on to race in F1, earned his Macau spurs in 1995. Current F1 champion Sebastian Vettel also raced in Macau in 2006, finishing third.
Wittmann will be hoping to add his name to the illustrious list. With such a famous national racing pedigree to live up to, no wonder he downplayed a perceived role that he could become the next big thing from Germany.
'It will be difficult to follow in their footsteps. Things have changed a lot in motorsports, you have to bring a lot of money into Formula One. I can't tell you now what my future will be, but as for my immediate goal, it is to win this race,' Wittmann said.