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Guia Circuit

Coordinates:22°11′50″N113°33′3″E/ 22.19722°N 113.55083°E/22.19722; 113.55083
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Guia Circuit
LocationMacau
Time zoneUTC+08:00
Coordinates22°11′50″N113°33′3″E/ 22.19722°N 113.55083°E/22.19722; 113.55083
FIA Grade2 (Restricted)
Opened31 October 1954;69 years ago(1954-10-31)
Major eventsCurrent:
Macau Grand Prix(1958–present)
Guia Race of Macau(1963–present)
Macau GT Cup(2008–present)
Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix(1967–2019, 2022–present)
TCR China(2020, 2023)
Former:
TCR Asia Series(2015–2016, 2021–2022)
Porsche Carrera Cup Asia(2003–2007, 2021)
WTCR(2018–2019)
WTCC(2005–2014, 2017)
TCR International Series(2015–2016)
Asian Touring Car Series(2000–2005, 2009–2011)
Websitehttps:// macau.grandprix.gov.mo/
Grand Prix Circuit (1958–present)
Length6.120 km (3.803 miles)
Turns24
Race lap record2:06.257 (United KingdomLuke Browning,Dallara F3 2019,2023,F3)
Original Circuit (1954–1957)
Length6.276 km (3.900 miles)
Turns26

TheGuia Circuit,orCircuito da Guia,is a 6.120 km (3.803 mi)street circuitlocated at the southeast region of theMacau PeninsulainMacau.It is the venue of theMacau Grand PrixandGuia Race of Macau.The circuit consists of long straights and tight corners, and features the characteristics of a typical street circuit - narrow, bumpy and limited overtaking opportunities. However, there are two special features that can rarely be found in other street circuits - variation in altitude (over 30 m (100 ft) between highest and lowest point of the circuit) and an ultra long main straight that allows top speed of 260 km/h (160 mph) onFormula Threecars. As a result, the circuit is recognised as one of the most challenging circuits in the world in terms of both driving and tuning, as cars have to maintain competitive speed to overcome hill-climbing, twisty corners and long straights in a single lap.

History[edit]

Architectural model of the Guia Circuit at theGrand Prix Museum

The Guia Circuit was originally conceived in 1954 as the route for a treasure hunt around the streets of the city,[1]but shortly after the event it was suggested that the hunt's track could host an amateur racing event for local motor enthusiasts. Since 1967, with the introduction of amotorcycle race,the track has become a venue for both motorcycle andcar racingevents.

Layout[edit]

The Hotel Lisboa Curve

Unlike other regular racing tracks in the world, the layout of the Guia Circuit has not been modified since 1957 (thepitandpaddockcomplex has been relocated to the present location since 1993, but the layout of the circuit has not been changed). The narrowest part of the track has a width of merely 7 m (23 ft), which is located at the MelcoHairpin.The whole length of the circuit is safely bounded byArmco barrierspainted in black and yellow stripes. There used to be agravel trapnear the Reservoir Bend but since the pit and paddock complex was moved to the present location, this feature has been removed.

Grandstands[edit]

Grandstand at the Guia Circuit

There are two major grandstands around the circuit for spectators to watch live racing - the main grandstand along the pit straight and the other one at the Lisboa Bend. The Lisboa Bend is the most famous spot of excitement as it offers the only possible overtaking opportunity at the end of the main straight. On the other hand, it is also notorious for massive pile-ups on opening laps due to its 90-degree turn configuration and its significant reduction in track width. As a result, the ticket price for a seat at the Lisboa Bend is much higher than that of a seat at the main grandstand. But as with most street circuits there are many people who stand or sit next to the track or on bridges and fly overs.

Racing events[edit]

The circuit is unique for its combination of motorcycle and car racing events within the same race weekend. The Macau Motorcycle GP, theGuia Race(WTCCfinal rounds from 2005 to 2014) and the Macau Formula 3 GP are the highlights of the race weekend. In addition, various kind of racing events are organised for competition between local and regional (Hong Kong,Taiwan,Japan,South East Asia,etc.) enthusiasts.

Current events[edit]

Former events[edit]

Lap records[edit]

Italicsindicate discontinued class. As of November 2023, the fastest official race lap records at the Guia Circuit are listed as:[2]

Category Time Driver Vehicle Date
Grand Prix Circuit (1993–present): 6.120 km[3][4][a]
Formula 3 2:06.257[5] United KingdomLuke Browning Dallara F3 2019 18 November 2023
GT3 2:16.051[6] BrazilDaniel Serra Ferrari 296 GT3 19 November 2023
Formula Renault 2.0 2:23.135 United StatesScott Speed Tatuus FR2000 21 November 2004
Superbike 2:23.616 United KingdomStuart Easton Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R 21 November 2010
Formula 4 2:24.791[7] United KingdomArvid Lindblad Tatuus F4-T421 12 November 2023
Guia Race (WTCC TC1) 2:26.469[8] United KingdomRobert Huff Citroën C-Elysée WTCC 18 November 2017
Porsche Carrera Cup 2:27.343[2] Hong KongDarryl O'Young Porsche 911 GT3 Cup 18 November 2007
Guia race (Super Touring) 2:29.253[9] United KingdomSteve Soper BMW 320i 16 November 1997
Formula BMW 2:29.449[10] United KingdomWilliam Buller Mygale FB02 22 November 2009
TCR 2:29.768[11] HungaryNorbert Michelisz Hyundai Elantra N TCR 18 November 2023
Asian Formula 2000 2:30.052[12] FrancePhilippe Descombes Argo-Ford Zetec 1.8 18 November 2001
GT4 2:31.392[13] ChinaKailuo Luo Lotus Emira GT4 12 November 2023
Guia Race (Super 2000) 2:31.437[14] FranceYvan Muller Chevrolet Cruze WTCC 17 November 2013
Road Sport Challenge 2:32.974 JapanManabu Orido Nissan GT-R 21 November 2010
Guia Race (Super Production) 2:39.634 United KingdomSimon Harrison Honda Integra Type-R 16 November 2003
Supercar race 2:41.877 Hong KongKevin Wong Porsche 911 GT3 R 19 November 2000
ACMC race 2:42.591 Hong KongCheung Wai On Honda RS125 16 November 2003
Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup 2:46.183[15] NetherlandsDuncan Huisman Volkswagen Scirocco R 16 November 2013
Interport race[16] 2:48.216 MacauAlvaro Mourato Honda IntegraType-R 21 November 2010
CTM Cup (Super 1600) 2:46.990[17] Hong KongPaul Poon Peugeot RCZ 22 November 2015
Chinese Cup[18] 2:58.203[19] ChinaDavid Zhu Senova D70 19 November 2016
Grand Prix Circuit (1958–1992): 6.120 km[3][4][a]
Group A 2:29.740[20] GermanyBernd Schneider Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 EVO II 22 November 1992
Group 5 2:37.720[21] GermanyManfred Winkelhock BMW 320i 15 November 1981
Group 2 2:44.820[22] GermanyHans Heyer Ford Escort II RS 19 November 1978
Group 6 2:59.800[23] SwitzerlandMauro Bianchi Alpine A210 20 November 1966
Group 4 3:05.300[24] Hong KongAlbert Poon Lotus 23 15 November 1964
Formula Junior 3:10.100[25] PhilippinesArsénio Laurel Lotus 22 18 November 1962

In 2003,Ralph Firman,winner of the 1996 F3 race, set a lap time of 1min 59.4sec during a demonstration event as part of the Macau Grand Prix's 50th anniversary celebrations in aJordanEJ13Formula 1car.[26]

Appearances in video games[edit]

Simulation / Video Game Year Configuration
1954 1993 2014
Race - The Official WTCC Game 2006 Yes No
RaceRoom 2013 No Yes
Race 07 2007 Yes No
Ride 2 2016 - -
Project Gotham Racing 4(Fictional) 2007 - -
Race Pro 2009 Yes No
TT Superbikes Real Road Racing 2005 PS2 No

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^abThe start line was moved backwards in 1993.

References[edit]

  1. ^"Fernando Macedo Pinto, one of the founders of the Macau Grand Prix"(in Portuguese). Blog Macau Antigo.Retrieved2010-10-20.
  2. ^ab"Macau Fastest Lap Comparison".Archivedfrom the original on 28 February 2023.Retrieved4 June2023.
  3. ^ab"Macau Guia - Racing Circuits".RacingCircuits.info.Retrieved18 November2023.
  4. ^ab"Macau - Motorsport Magazine".Motorsport Magazine.Retrieved16 June2022.
  5. ^"The 70th Macau Grand Prix 16–19 November 2023 - Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix FIA F3 World Cup - Qualifying Race – Official Final Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 18 November 2023.Retrieved18 November2023.
  6. ^"The 70th Macau Grand Prix 16–19 November 2023 - Macau GT Cup - FIA GT World Cup – Race - Provisional Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 19 November 2023.Retrieved19 November2023.
  7. ^"The 70th Macau Grand Prix 11–12 November 2023 - Macau Formula 4 Race – Final Race - Official Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 12 November 2023.Retrieved12 November2023.
  8. ^"2017 Suncity Group Macau Guia Race - FIA WTCC Opening Race - Final Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 18 November 2017. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 1 December 2017.Retrieved8 June2018.
  9. ^"Which touring cars were fastest – Super Touring, S2000 or TCR?".Touringcartimes.2 May 2020.Retrieved6 June2022.
  10. ^"Will Buller conquers Macau".22 November 2009.Retrieved23 July2022.
  11. ^"The 70th Macau Grand Prix 16–19 November 2023 - Macau Guia Race - Kumho TCR World Tour Event of Macau – Race 1 - Official Final Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 18 November 2023.Retrieved18 November2023.
  12. ^"2001 Asian F2000 Round 6: Macau 18 November 2001".Retrieved28 February2023.
  13. ^"The 70th Macau Grand Prix 11–12 November 2023 - Greater Bay Area GT Cup (GT4) – Race - Official Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 12 November 2023.Retrieved12 November2023.
  14. ^"WTCC 2013 » Circuito da Guia Round 24 Results".Retrieved28 February2023.
  15. ^"2013 60th Macau Grand Prix Scirocco R China Masters Challenge Official Race Classification"(PDF).16 November 2013. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 4 March 2016.Retrieved25 November2016.
  16. ^For Macanese and Hong Kong professional drivers, previously two separate races each different nationalities, replaced byChinese Cup.
  17. ^"CTM Macau Touring Car Cup – Race – Official Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 22 November 2015. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 22 November 2015.Retrieved22 November2015.
  18. ^One-make race for Senova D70s.
  19. ^"63th Macau Grand Prix Suncity Group Chinese Racing Cup Race – Final Classification"(PDF).Macau Grand Prix.Macau Grand Prix Committee. 19 November 2016. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 21 November 2016.Retrieved20 November2016.
  20. ^"1992 Macau Guia Race".Retrieved23 October2022.
  21. ^"1981 Macau Guia Race".Retrieved23 October2022.
  22. ^"1978 Macau Guia Race".Retrieved23 October2022.
  23. ^"GP Macau 1966".Retrieved6 June2022.
  24. ^"GP Macau 1964".Retrieved6 June2022.
  25. ^"GP Macau 1962".Retrieved6 June2022.
  26. ^"Firman breaks Macau lap record".crash.net.14 November 2003.Retrieved27 April2024.

External links[edit]