The Macau Grand Prix Committee is expecting the revenue for this years edition to increase some 3.48 per cent, which represents a further MOP2 million (US$250,544) to approximately MOP53 million. The forecast was announced yesterday during a press conference introducing the event at Macau Fishermans Wharf.
“This years sponsorship revenue is similar to that of last years, and along with the tickets and other income, the total revenue is expected be in the region of MOP53 million, representing an increase of approximately MOP2 million or 3.48 per cent, the Co-ordinator of the Marketing Subcommittee of Macau Grand Prix, Charles Lo Keng Chio, said during the press conference.
Meanwhile, the Co-ordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Committee, João Costa Antunes, said that the budget for the 62nd edition is around MOP200 million, which is similar to the budget for the past edition.
This means that the races will involve a cost of around MOP147 million for the government.
The event is said to have attracted a large audience with more than 10,000 of the existing tickets sold to places other than Macau.
“According to statistics, more than half of the tickets from a total of 20,000 available have been sold to purchasers from Macau, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and Europe, Mr. Lo said. Last year, tickets for the Grand Prix were sold out completely, and we are optimistic for this year.
Autonomy to remain
The Co-ordinator of the Macau Grand Prix Committee also commented on the integration of the Committee into the Macau Sports Development Board, which takes effect next year.
“This organising structure and the Grand Prix Committee has been integrated in different departments throughout the years. Now, to optimise the existing resources, it was decided it should be integrated into the Sports Development Board. I do not believe this will result in a loss of autonomy, he said.
Concerning the 62nd edition of the Macau Grand Prix, Antunes highlighted the new competitions being introduced this year: the TCR race and the FIA GT World Cup.
“This year we have two new competitions, debuting not only in Macau but worldwide. The TCR Series will host the final round here. These cars are more accessible for Asian and Macau drivers and this competition is important to develop their skills to step into another level, he said. “The GT World Cup race is the consequence of the project started back in 2008 with the GT Macau races, which managed to attract the attention of the manufacturers and also the drivers. This shows how much drivers recognise the value of the Guia Circuit.
| João Costa Antunes to step down João Costa Antunes has headed up the Committee since 1988 but after this years edition retires from the position. However, he will be working as advisor to the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Alexis Tam. “I am very pleased because were living in a very important moment, with the local community supporting the Grand Prix. Many people, including the younger generations, are assuming their responsibilities and taking part in the organisation of the race, he said. “I feel very satisfied. I believe that our missions are never completed and that we can always improve. This is what we are doing. We are working to make sure that this event will be the best so far. But people will continue to work to make the event of next year even better than this edition, he added. |
