World-famous event kicks off new era with 2024 FR World Cup
The Macau Grand Prix is set to begin a new chapter. The 71st running of the world-famous event will feature a new concept, with the debut of Formula Regional for its headlining race. Lining up once again at the incredibly challenging Guia Circuit, SJM Theodore PREMA Racing will embrace the new vision to carry on its legacy and possibly add more pages to its amazing history book.
For 2024, the Macau Grand Prix will witness the debut of the FIA FR World Cup. Launched in 2018, the Formula Regional concept quickly became a resounding success and a key stepping stone in the careers of many talented young drivers. It is also featured in multiple championships around the world. As a matter of fact, Formula Regional has all the greatest attributes of Formula 3 in the golden era of the Macau Grand Prix and everything is set for an incredibly spectacular and challenging run.
To partner with the team in its renewed endeavour, SJM Resorts, S.A. (“SJM”), will be returning as the Title Sponsor and Official Partner of SJM Theodore PREMA Racing.
Dino Beganovic will return to the Macau GP after competing with SJM PREMA Theodore Racing in 2023. The 20 year old Swede has shown terrific speed at the Macau Grand Prix last year. A Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy member, Dino is the 2022 Formula Regional European Champion and has also amassed a number of top-notch results in the Formula Regional Asian and Middle East championships.
Alex Dunne will be an extremely valuable new addition to the team. The 18-year-old Irishman turned heads in his first Macau Grand Prix appearance last year, posting fast laps and grabbing a podium finish in the qualifying race despite racing an F3 car for the first time. Alex, who is part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, is a former British Formula 4 Champion and is looking to follow up on his outstanding performance in Macau last year.
Current UAE and Italian F4 Champion, 16-year-old British sensation Freddie Slater will be making his debut in Formula Regional, but he qualified 2nd in Macau last year in F4. Freddie has had a dominant and record-breaking Championship season in F4 so far.
Before hitting the track for practice on Wednesday, the extremely talented crew of SJM Theodore PREMA Racing will be able to enjoy the passion and support of the friendly local crowd, meeting local fans, students, and media in the traditional Macau Grand Prix frame.
Mr Teddy Yip – Team President
"We are set for another amazing Macau Grand Prix experience. The move To FR machinery returns the competition to a format reminiscent of its golden era and we look forward to the challenge this will bring. This race has given us so much satisfaction since our very first start, but still, we always want to achieve more. We are delighted to continue our partnership with SJM Resorts, S.A., as they have been supporting us with incredible passion for many, many years now. I am looking forward to the weekend and I have full trust in our amazing trio of drivers. They are all outstanding winners and champions, so I'm sure they will put us in the right spot to deliver the team some memorable results."
Mr. Rene Rosin - Team Principal
"We are delighted to take part in the new era of the Macau Grand Prix together with our incredible partners, Theodore Racing and SJM Resorts. For this year, we are fielding three world-class drivers, and we feel we have the right balance in terms of skills and experience as we look to add another title to our roll of honour. In addition, we have plenty of experience with Formula Regional. The debut of the FR World Cup brings this event close to what it was with the previous Formula 3 machinery in terms of performance and pace, and the fact that Formula Regional is such a popular concept will help it really become a benchmark."
Ms. Daisy Ho, - Managing Director of SJM
“SJM is immensely proud to continue our journey with Theodore PREMA Racing, Macau’s beloved homegrown team, as they embrace this exciting new chapter of the Formula Regional class. Having been a part of many chapters of the Macau Grand Prix together, we are again front and centre in its evolution. With Theodore’s unrivalled knowledge of this unique circuit and strong lineup, it is in perfect alignment with our values of heritage and innovation. Together, we look forward to celebrating new triumphs in this historic race.”