MOTORING fans can look forward to the best Macau Grand Prix ever as organisers celebrate the 40th running of the race in brand new, purpose-built facilities.
Macau Grand Prix Organising Committee chairman, engineer Joao Manuel Costa Antunes, is confident the $50 million complex will be completed by the end of next month ,saying it will add a whole new dimension to the increasingly popular race, scheduled for the weekend of November 20-21.
The new facilities provide the Macau Grand Prix with a sophisticated base for future growth and continuity into the 21st century.
Built directly across from the new jetfoil terminal, which will be fully operational by early November, the complex comprises three separate units: an underground garage which can accommodate 600 cars, an administration building and a visually stunning five-storey race control tower. The whole complex is accessible by inter-connected walkways and tunnels from the new jet-foil terminal.
The race tower commands a full view of Macau Reservoir. A temporary spectator stand will be built alongside the complex and a permanent grandstand, which will be able to accommodate 3,000 spectators, will be built before next year's race.
The start and finish has been moved to Reservoir Bend - adjacent to the complex - although the circuit itself remains unchanged. Drivers will, however, make a slight left turn about 300 metres out from the start before going full throttle along the main straight.