Three FIA Formula 3 race winners are among a strong lineup of drivers confirmed to compete in next month’s Macau Grand Prix, which will now feature Formula Regional machinery instead of the traditional F3 cars. Despite the switch, which has raised concerns among some drivers about the event’s prestige, several of this year's FIA Formula 3 frontrunners, including Red Bull junior Oliver Goethe and Dino Beganovic, are set to tackle the challenging circuit.
The change to Formula Regional cars for the 2024 edition, scheduled for November 17, was announced earlier this year as a "natural consequence of the evolution of the junior single-seater landscape." Initially, some drivers, such as F3 series runner-up Gabriele Mini, expressed concerns that the switch could diminish the event’s reputation. However, the impressive 27-strong entry list suggests that top talents are still eager to compete at the iconic street race.
Oliver Goethe, who finished seventh in the FIA F3 standings and skipped the season finale at Monza to replace Franco Colapinto in Formula 2 with MP Motorsport, will join the grid again in Macau, driving for the same team with whom he finished ninth in last year’s race. Other key FIA F3 drivers joining the roster include McLaren junior Alex Dunne, who moves from MP Motorsport to Prema for the event, and Pinnacle's Noel Leon.
In addition to the FIA F3 stars, several prominent drivers from the Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) have been confirmed. James Wharton from ART and Tuukka Taponen from R-ace, who are battling for the second and third spots in the FRECA standings, will be taking part in the Macau GP. Italian F4 champion Freddie Slater will also step up to Formula Regional competition, having recently participated in the Silverstone Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award shootout.
Japanese motorsport will be well-represented with Super Formula Lights race winners Rikuto Kobayashi and Jin Nakamura, both of whom race for TOM’S, joining the entry list. With their inclusion, the event promises a diverse and competitive grid.
FIA Single-Seater Committee President Emanuele Pirro welcomed the lineup, stating: "I am really happy to see so many of the most talented junior drivers and teams committed to the FIA FR World Cup. This event has always been one of the toughest and most rewarding challenges for young drivers as they progress towards Formula 1 and our other FIA World Championships. To have so many different former champions from F4 and Formula Regional coming to Macau really captures the spirit of this historic race."
The entry list for the 2024 Macau GP remains open, with two seats yet to be filled, one each with MP Motorsport and PHM Racing. The event is shaping up to remain a critical proving ground for young drivers aspiring to reach the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula 1.
