Former Formula 1 star David Coulthard has hailed the importance of the Macau Grand Prix to aspiring driver talents, as he recalls his own success on the famous Guia street circuit.

Coulthard won the event back in 1991 while driving for Paul Stewart Racing, as he saw off challenges from the likes of Rubens Barrichello and Jacques Villeneuve in the star-studded event.

The Scotsman joined an illustrious list of former winners, which already included Ayton Senna and Michael Schumacher, the latter having won the previous year. Whilst Coulthard is deeply respectful and fond of the event’s rich heritage, he is under no illusions as to how important the great race remains to this day.

“Macau was and is the most prestigious F3 race of the season and represents the coming together of the best young talent in single-seater racing,” he said.

“You only have to look at the list of previous winners to understand the significance of winning this race on a driver’s professional aspirations.”

After Coulthard’s Macau GP success he famously went on to race for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull in Formula 1 – winning 13 Grands Prix along the way. The 47-year-old has since gone on to become a popular F1 TV pundit, but it’s clear how important he ranks that Macau GP title alongside everything else he went on to achieve in the sport.

“I am extremely proud to have won the race back in 1991 and I still own my Ralt Formula 3 car to this day,” he concluded.

“It’s in pride of place in my museum alongside my winning Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing Formula 1 cars!”

The eyes of the motor sport world will again descend on Macau in seven days time when a new FIA F3 World Cup winner will be crowned and a racing star will undoubtedly be born.