Macau Grand Prix experiences?

Me and my partner are looking at going back to Hong Kong for a trip later this year, and it so happens that there are well priced flights that coincide with the Macau GP, just wanted to know if any forumers had attended the event and what their experience was?

 

Whilst its not right up there with events like Le Mans, Indy etc, it would be a bit of a 'bucket list' item ticked off...

Loved it. One of the few tracks one can get still rather close. Also the sound of the cars, bikes were amazing, because they resounded within the buildings.

 

If it's easier for you to stay in Hong Kong and you just want to attend on race day, take a ferry. It's docks are near the start line. Just make sure about visas. Macau, reentry into Hong Kong.

 

I stayed with friends, so I have no idea about hotels to recommend.

Edited by HP, 12 February 2018 - 15:17.

Thanks for the reply, we would be staying in Hong Kong anyway, went there in 2016 and loved it so much that we almost instantly wanted to go back. Wanted to take the ferry across to Macau at some point last time we were there but didn't end up having the time, so why not this time plan it around the GP!?!

 

That's handy if the ferry dock is near the start line. Don't think there would be any visa issues, I'm British and my UK passport gets me visa free entry to both HK and Macau, and we don't really have any plans on entering mainland China.

 

Were you able to get to other points of the circuit or is 'official' spectating restricted to the grandstand areas around the main straight section?

From memory the Ferry is fairly quick and convenient. First one I took broke down after ten mins and had to be towed back to Hong Kong though

I went 10 years ago. Had such a good time. I stayed at the Holiday Inn near Lisboa and was woken on the Sunday with a whiff of a hangover to the sounds of the Formula BMW's taking to the grid. 

As I said, i stayed over the night. But i took the ferry back to HK straight after the race and there was quite a wait to board one due to the swell of people. So, i'd say go early on race day and perhaps hang around for dinner afterwards. You will need your passport to cross. 

I don't think you're missing out too much by not staying over, other than a bit of extra faff. There was quite a fun atmosphere in town on the Saturday evening but it became increasingly seedy as the night wore on. Lots of western men disappearing off with local women (of the night....) for 45mins then returning to high-five their mates/colleagues. A bit grim.

I would recommend going 2 days, theres loads of racing on the Saturday but it's not as busy. I took the day to walk as much of the circuit as possible and take photos from some crazy-good vantage points. ()
Then Sunday I had a grandstand ticket down at Lisboa infront of a big screen. Great atmosphere and caught all the action. ()

Have a great time!