The Macau Grand Prix Committee (MGPC) held a press conference on 6 October, 2010 at the Fisherman’s Wharf Convention & Exhibition Centre, introducing this year’s Grand Prix and announcing the provisional entries for the headline races.

Details of promotions and sponsor events were also announced. The conference was hosted by MGPC Co-ordinator João Manuel Costa Antunes. Committee members and sponsor representatives were present.

The 57th Macau Grand Prix is scheduled for 18 to 21 November. The three headline races are the FIA Formula 3 Intercontinential Cup, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix – 44th Edition, and the FIA World Touring Car Championship – Guia Race of Macau, with five supporting races: The Macau GT Cup, Macau Road Sport Challenge, CTM Macau Touring Car Race, Hotel Fortuna MAC/HKG Interport Race, and Formula BMW Pacific.

Every year Macau Grand Prix attracts drivers from Macau and across the globe to compete on the Guia Circuit. This year, 252 drivers from 35 countries and nations will join the Grand Prix, 55 of them from Macau.

For the first time, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix is included in the 26-event Duke Road Race Rankings, the only series to recognise season-long performance on road circuits. Inclusion in the prestigious rankings is further recognition of the international status of the Grand Prix.

The 57th Macau Grand Prix has a budget of MOP 140 million, and as always, enjoys the support of sponsors. In order to diversify Macau’s tourism offering, and strengthen the sports tourism field, the Macau Grand Prix Committee has worked with the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) to design and implement a range of comprehensive marketing programmes. During last weekend’s National Day holiday, a two-day roadshow was held at Hong Kong’s Harbour City. Next week is the World Expo Macau Week, where Formula 3 and motorcycle racing machinery will be on display to promote the event to both residents of Mainland China and Expo visitors from around the world.

In order to create a carnival atmosphere throughout the city, giant screens showing the event will be set up at Senado Square, Border Gate Square, Rotunda de Carlos da Maia, Rua do Cunha on Taipa, and at the Iao Hon Market Garden. During the Grand Prix, the 10th Macau Food Festival will be held at Sai Van Lake Square from 5th to 21th November, with fireworks displays scheduled for the 6th, 13th and 21st of November.

In terms of infrastructure, as the Guia is a street circuit located in the centre of the city, this year the majority of the resurfacing work will be carried out at night or during weekends in order to minimise disruption.

Tickets are on sale now, and range from MOP 50 for practice days, to MOP 900 at Lisboa Stand for race days. Interested parties should call the 24 hours booking hotline (+853) 2855 5555 for Macau, (+852) 2380 5083 for Hong Kong and (+86) 1392691111 for China. Tickets may also be ordered through the Kongseng Ticket Selling Network in Macau, Hong Kong or China. For more details, please visit the Macau Grand Prix Committee website http://www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo or http://www.macauticket.com.