The 70th edition of the prestigious Macau Grand Prix is all set to witness the debut of 16-year-old Macau driver, Tiago Rodrigues, with the Asia Racing Team. This event is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the international motorsport calendar.
Tiago Rodrigues will take to the streets of his hometown, the bustling metropolis of Macau, in November, where he will showcase his immense talent and potential as part of the Zhuhai-based Asia Racing Team squad. This exciting opportunity comes on the heels of his remarkable performances in the F4 Chinese Championship, where he currently leads the drivers’ standings.
Rodolfo Avila, Team Manager of Asia Racing Team and a former Macau Grand Prix F3 participant, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming the fellow Tiago Rodrigues to the team. He highlighted their previous encounters in the F4 Chinese Championship and the invaluable experience it provided for young drivers.
“We are delighted to welcome Tiago to the team. We had the opportunity to race against him in the F4 Chinese Championship. Now it’s time to step up a bit, and the F4 South East Asia series is a fantastic proving ground for young drivers. The introduction of a new car will level the playing field for everyone. We’re excited to see what Tiago can achieve,” he said.
The Macau Formula 4 Race will feature young drivers aged 15 and above, competing in identical 1,400cc, 160hp Tatuus F4 GEN2 single-seater cars. Tiago Rodrigues won’t be alone on Asia Racing Team’s four-car Macau lineup, which coincides with the team’s 20th anniversary. He will be joined by fellow drivers representing the region, including Kevin Xiao, Enzo Yeh, and Macau’s own Marcus Cheong.
In preparation for his debut at the Macau Grand Prix, Tiago Rodrigues will participate in the opening race of the F4 South East Asia Championship season this weekend at the Zhuzhou International Circuit. This provides a unique opportunity for him to acquaint himself with a new car and build pace before the year’s most significant race.
Speaking about his Macau Grand Prix debut, Tiago Rodrigues said, “I’m thrilled to join Asia Racing Team for my debut in the Macau Grand Prix. It’s a whole new challenge with a different car than I’m used to racing, on one of the most challenging race circuits in the world. I want to thank my family and my sponsors for making this dream come true.”
The Macau Grand Prix Formula 4 race promises to be an incredible spectacle, and Tiago Rodrigues’ participation adds a unique and inspiring local flavor to the event. The three-race Zhuzhou event officially begins this Friday.
