THE Macau Formula Three Grand Prix has developed the uncanny knack of offering motor-racing enthusiasts a unique glimpse into the future of the sport.
Over the years, an international cavalcade of stars who now populate Formula One have cut their teeth in the Portuguese enclave.
No fewer than 17 of the current F1 cast have strutted their stuff in Macau.
Setting the pace for today's 30-lap, two-leg race around the scenic, 6.1-kilometre Guia street circuit is a German. Hard on his heels is a Brazilian, a Scotsman and a Belgian, underscoring the event's international appeal.
And even more significant is the fact that the same four drivers represent four international competitions, and not necessarily in their home nations.
Robert Lechner, 20, leads the way in his GM-DSF Team Dallara Opel-Spiess with a qualifying time of two minutes and 15.962 seconds, just outside Dutchman Tom Coronel's race record of 2:15.950, set last year.