Photo: TCR Media

Macau Guia Race to invite TCR-class cars for 2015 event

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The main touring car event of the Macau Grand Prix, the Guia Race, will allow 2.0 litre turbocharged class cars, such as those used in the TCR Series, from this year as the race returns to a standalone event after ten years hosting the season finale of the FIA World Touring Car Championship.

The Guia Race of Macau, which before 2005 was run as a single race, will maintain its two-race format as used during WTCC’s reign, and will be run over two races of ten laps each, with each race entry at the invitation of the Macau Grand Prix Committee (MGPC).

“I am especially proud at the choice made by the Macau Grand Prix Committee,” said TCR CEO Marcello Lotti. “Since its first edition in 1972, the Macau Guia Race has built itself a strong reputation as one of the main events in the international touring car calendar. Drivers from every country are eager to race on this circuit that is considered one of the most challenging road courses in the world. The fact that such an historical race has elected to adopt the TCR technical regulations in their maiden season gives enormous credit to our project.”

At the press conference to announce the changes to this year’s 62nd Macau Grand Prix, the committee explained the changes to the Guia Race event.

“This year, the Guia Race will be run to 2.0 turbo regulations,” said MGPC coordinator Chong Coc Veng. “Many marques and models will be eligible to compete, including those running in TCR, and I believe that we can look forward to the fierce competition which the traditional signature of the Guia Race of Macau.”

“The Guia Race hosted the World Touring Car Championship over the past ten years,” he added. “While some in the racing industry, particularly those who are fans of the WTCC, regard the departure of this series as a loss for Macau, we do not believe “loss” describes the situation. There were many changes in the WTCC during the ten years it raced at Macau, and the Macau Grand Prix Committee has an obligation and responsibility to present the very best races to both its audience and sponsors.”