50th Macau GP promises visitors memorable month.

Organisers of November's Macau Grand Prix have pledged a birthday to remember with the staging of the 50th Macau Grand Prix Golden Jubilee Carnival.

Massive resources have been committed to make the landmark event truly spectacular, with a host of sporting, cultural and entertainment activities planned throughout the month of November for visitors and local residents alike. Activities will centre on the prestigious Macau Grand Prix, which will be run over two weekends - November 8 and 9, and November 13 to 16, 2003 - and will once again feature the FIA Intercontinental Cup of Formula 3, the "jewel in the F3 crown".

The line up for the first weekend of racing includes events for historic and classic cars, as well as local saloon car races, with the second weekend playing host to the prestigious Formula 3 Grand Prix, the Guia Race for international and regional touring car drivers, and the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix for road racing specialists.

In addition, the race programme includes the Asian Formula Renault Challenge, the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia, as well as local and regional races for both cars and motorcycles.

The Grand Prix is held on the world famous 6.2km Guia Circuit, around Macau's picturesque and historic streets.

Other activities scheduled to celebrate Macau and the 50th running of the Grand Prix include the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, which will see ten teams from around the world compete over five nights through the month, lighting up the night sky with breathtaking pyrotechnic demonstrations. The Macau Food Festival, from November 7 to 23, will be an open-air feast for gourmets, showcasing the finest examples of both local and international cuisine. Even the Macau Fringe 2003, scheduled from October 25 to November 16, has this year adopted a high-speed theme to celebrate the 50th Grand Prix.

"The whole of Macau will celebrate this historic month, and we hope visitors will join us for a truly memorable birthday party," commented Macau Grand Prix Committee co-Ordinator, Mr. Jo?o Manuel Costa Antunes. "It is going to be non-stop fun and entertainment, both on and off the race track."

The Macau Grand Prix was first run in 1954, when it was won by Eduardo de Carvalho in a Triumph TR2. Since then, Macau has been the scene of countless memorable victories, including those of Ayrton Senna in 1983, the year Formula 3 made its debut at Macau, Michael Schumacher in 1990, David Coulthard in 1991, and Takuma Sato in 2001.

The list of winners of the Guia Race also contains numerous household names such as Tom Walkinshaw, Tim Harvey, Emanuele Pirro and Joachim Winkelhock, while former winners of the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix include Ron Haslam, Kevin Schwantz and Carl Fogarty.

Several of the winning machines, plus the long history of this unique event, can be found at the Macau Grand Prix Museum, another "must-see" attraction for visitors.

More information on the 50th Macau Grand Prix can be found at the official website at www.macau.grandprix.gov.mo or by emailing macaugp@cgpm.gov.mo. Information on Macau's many attractions, hotels, tour operators and visitor information can be found at www.macautourism.gov.mo.

Tickets for the event are now available, and can be purchased via www.macauticket.net or by calling Macau telephone number (853)+ 555 555, or Hong Kong telephone number (852)+ 7171 7171.