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Charlie Whiting declares Macau GP 'Go'

16.11.17

The FIA’s director of F1 and Director of the FIA Single Seater Department Charlie Whiting has declared the Macau GP circuit ‘ go’ for the first FIA World Cup sessions today

Whiting flew in from the Brazilian GP yesterday and conducted track inspections to major upgrades to the 6.12km road circuit.

Whiting praised Macau organisers.

“There are improvements every year – and this year has seen a major upgrade, “he said.

“There are new Techpro barriers in strategic positions , more cranes and changes to kerbs.”

Whiting conducted a confirmation inspection with Macau officials at dawn today and declared the track ‘go’ for the first sessions of practice.

“Officials here are amongst the best , “ he said.

“Because it is a road circuit there are more than 138 gates which have to be opened and closed each day – a massive task in itself.”

The Macau GP has changed its safety protocols in line with FIA recommendations.

Red flags which have stopped sessions for debris clearance have been replaced with a protocol of Full Course Yellow flags in order to keep the race meeting mobile.

“Officials are able to trust drivers to maintain a slow speed – in this case 80kmh- and to be able to work without halt,“Whiting said.

Entrants in the FIA F3 World Cup face a 40 minute practice and 30 minute qualifying session on the opening day.

FIA GT Cup drivers have a 30 minute practice before qualifying on Day two.