Improved Security Measures and Facilities For 54th Macau Grand Prix to Benefit Local Residents

The FIA World Formula One Championship Race Director, Charles Whiting, accompanied by members of the Macau Grand Prix Committee (CGPM), carried out an inspection of the Guia Circuit today (August 18) and gave his professional advice regarding track security, and the Committee will now proceed with its preparation work for November’s event. Accompanied by Mr. João Manuel Costa Antunes and members of Sporting and Infrastructure Subcommittees, Mr. Charles Whiting began the inspection at 10 a.m. at the Grand Prix Building. He carried out an evaluation of the present condition of the track, and heard CGPM´s suggestions and explanations relating to new equipment and reinforcement measures to be taken in order to minimize the potential inconvenience to Macau residents. In order to re-open the roads earlier after track activities on practice and race days and alleviate traffic congestion in the city, the Committee has been installing metallic gates in the circuit’s main crossroads since 2002. For the 54th Macau Grand Prix, CGPM expects to install a greater number than the 29 utilised last year, adding 15 more gates at different points around the circuit for a total of 44 gates this year. This is expected to further alleviate traffic congestion. With the purpose of enhancing safety measures for the public, the Committee is placing protective fencing on residential buildings near the circuit this year. In addition, a protective fence will be placed in the public passageway between the ferry terminal and Sands Casino as many visitors frequent this area. The safety fence will be more than 400m long and 2.85m high, and will include the public area. On the track itself, the Committee will place double yellow lights in the areas before the five high-speed bends with the aim of attracting the attention of competitors and thereby avoiding serious incidents. The 54th Macau Grand Prix will be held in November from 15 th to 18th. The organization places great importance on circuit conditions, the requirement for greater security of competitors, the public and staff, and continues to study various measures to improve the city’s traffic flow following the races. Meanwhile the organization is also committed to improving the training of track marshals and other race officials. With the collaboration of the China – Macau Autosports Club, at 2:30pm today the CGPM commenced track marshal practice near the Grand Prix Building. The training includes a written exam and probation period under the tuition of instructors with extensive experience of track marshalling, specifically in the areas of flags, information panels, tow cars, cranes and removal. The participants, who had previously completed the theoretical section of the training, displayed enthusiastic interest during the course held as preparation for the Grand Prix.