Race Description:
For more than half a century the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix has brought together an international field of the best road racers to compete in one of the world’s most challenging events. Entry into the ‘Far East Classic’ is by invitation and riders also compete in other prestigious road races including the Isle of Man TT, the North West200 and the Ulster Grand Prix.
Expect a duel between Aspire Ho teammates Michael ‘The Blade’ Rutter, riding an exciting Honda machine making its Macau debut, and Peter Hickman, who takes on the narrow Guia Circuit on a BMW. The two Ducatis of John McGuiness and Michael Jessopp may have a word to say in the race.
Five to watch:
1 Michael Rutter (Honda): Known as the ‘Two-Wheel King of Macau’, Rutter returns for his 24th visit, nearly 20 years after his first victory in 1998. ‘The Blade’ is set to pilot a Honda RCV213V-S, but with limited test time available he’ll have a lot to do from the start.
2 Peter Hickman (BMW): Partnering Rutter in the new Aspire-Ho team, but riding a BMW, the Englishman is chasing a Macau hat-trick. He is arriving in Macau coming in off a Senior TT win and riding in the British Superbike Championship pretty much week in week out.
3 John McGuiness (Ducati): This British veteran has form when it comes to winning in Macau. The 2001 winner missed last year’s race due to injury but the 23-time Isle of Man TT winner made a winning comeback to racing in August with a victory in the Isle of Man Senior Classic TT.
4 Michael Jessopp (Ducati): Teaming up with McGuiness on a Paul Bird Motorsport-run Tak Chun Group by PBM team, the Briton has reached the Macau podium several times but is still in search of a first Guia Circuit win. The Ducati Panigale 1199 performed strongly last year on the unforgiving streets of Macau.
5 Gary Johnson (Kawazaki): The Lincolnshire rider, sixth in Macau last year, has a number of years’ experience riding Kawasakis and is back with Briggs Equipment Kawasaki. It’s a race he always looks forward to. A podium finisher in 2013, more giant-killing will be the aim for this double TT winner.
Format
3-3-3 Standing start
Motorcycle Grand Prix Race of 12 laps on Saturday
Eligible Motorcycles
4-stroke prototype motorcycles
Race Budget Required
MOP 300-400,000 depending upon team and conditions
