The biggest news about the Macau Grand Prix this year is, of course, the debut of Formula Regional (FR) cars. Although they may be unfamiliar to local spectators, FR drives were launched globally in 2018.
The cars are uniquely suited to Macao, which has always been about exciting motorsport within the confines of a genuine street circuit. The 2019 and 2023 Formula 3 (F3) events saw cars reaching speeds of around 300 km/h at the infamous Lisboa Bend, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. However, some drivers voiced concerns about the cars being “too fast.” By essentially using the F3 specs from 2018, FR rides offer the same thrills – but safely. As Davide de Gobbi, the general manager at Top Speed China, explains, it’s “just a name change.”
De Gobbi, whose firm supplies FR cars and technical support to the Grand Prix, took some time out with Macao-based photojournalist Eduardo Leal, explaining the specifications of an FR car from engines and aerodynamics to braking systems.
Leal’s images capture the Formula Regional cars in all their gleaming beauty.
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In a Formula Regional car, rear dampers are important for suspension performance and reduce unnecessary bouncing
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The FR car in Macao uses a turbocharged Alfa Romeo engine
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The rear of Evan GP’s Tatuus F3 T-318
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The driver’s glove and steering wheel
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Slick tyres help with the grip which improves traction and lessens bending
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The steering wheel placed on top of the FR car
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Air scoop or air intake helps with the aerodynamics and increases engine performance
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The air scoop and the engine
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The wheel hub connects the wishbones to the wheel and also helps with suspension
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The air duct helps with airflow as it seeps into the radiator and cools the engine water
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The brake calliper (left) and disc
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Front dampers
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The halo is a safety device which was introduced in 2018 and helps protect a driver’s head
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The front-end of a Formula Regional car
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Davide de Gobbi, the general manager at Top Speed China, pictured in the Evans GP garage
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