16.11.08 MACAU GRAND PRIX REPORT The end of year Macau Grand Grand Prix is an event that every driver wants to do. It is a street race around the city of Macau, which is the Las Vegas of the Far East. Probably the most challenging track in the world and certainly one that every driver remembers. Especially in the hill section with the narrow twisty streets, the armco barriers only millimetres from the car, the blind corners makes this a street circuit that takes no prisoners. It is a one off race at the end of the year when all the top drivers from the various Formula 3 championships from around the world get together for what is in effect a world championship race. It is an invitation race so just to be invited is an honour in itself. Drivers from the British, the European and the Japanese Formula 3 championships are all racing together so it is an occasion when all the drivers can pit themselves against the best in the world. In the lead up to the meeting Oliver had a very tight schedule that was well planned but did not leave much room for other additional opportunities. As is often the case in motorsport an opportunity did arise which meant our plans to fly to Hong Kong and onward transfer to Macau with a couple of days to acclimatise were changed at the very last minute and in the end he travelled out and only arrived in Macau late on the Wednesday evening. We ended up walking the track at night which was probably the most dangerous part of the few days as the roads were still open and it was dark. Testing went well and Oliver got quicker on each occasion. In qualifying he qualified 8th for the first race and was the top placed Carlin driver with in the team. The first race was on Saturday and Oliver started eighth and finished in fourth place. This meant that he would start the final the following day on the second row in fourth place on the grid. He had qualified as the top British driver, the top British F3 championship driver and the top Carlin team driver. The start of the race on Sunday was disappointing for the team as the final starting light was held a fraction longer than expected which meant that Jamie Alguersuari jump started (and subsequently had to take a drive through penalty) and Oliver stalled. The other disappointment for the team was that Marcus Ericcson crashed on the first lap. Oliver ended up dead last. His drive through to seventh, overtaking cars at the rate of two per lap, was reminiscent of his performance in the final of the British F3 race a month earlier at Donington. Anyone who says you can't overtake in F3 should have a word with Oliver There can be only one race winner and in the Macau GP this is even more so than any other race. This is a one off race and so it is a winner takes all, and few, if any will ever remember who came second or third. So we left Macau disappointed not to have won but with a big smile as it was truly a great experience and one that will last us a life time. The only unanswered question is can he come back for another go next year as it was probably the most enjoyable race he has every done and not won. << back to news