Chinese Ferrari Academy driver Zhou Guanyu looking to make his mark at Macau Grand Prix
First Chinese racer to join Ferrari Driver Academy looks to Macau – and to history
There’s no escaping history for Zhou Guanyu.
The first Chinese driver to join the prestigious Ferrari Driver Academy looks around him every day during training and is reminded that it was in this programme that the talents of Formula One drivers Jules Bianchi and Sergio Perez were nurtured before they were released on the world, and that he is supported by the team that was graced – some might say blessed – by the presence of Juan Manuel Fangio, Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher.
“To be in the Ferrari family is a dream come true,” says the 17-year-old. “I just want to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.”
The next one of those opportunities is looming at the Macau Grand Prix from November 17 to 20, when the Shanghai-born youngster will hit the Guia Circuit for the first time, driving for the Motopark team.
Zhou says he is well aware of the past and of the greats who have come before him. Macau prides itself on the fact it has been able to attract the very best and the streets echo with the exploits of the likes of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.
It’s an event that has loomed large in Zhou’s dreams, ever since his father took him as an eight-year-old to a karting track outside Shanghai and first sat him behind the wheel. Zhou has been trackside in Macau for the past two editions of the big race, soaking up the atmosphere, and he says he is well aware of what’s in store.