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One of the highlights of the weekend is the '''Macau , Michael Schumacher , David Coulthard , Ralf Schumacher and Damon Hill . Since 2005, the double-header Guia Race , which traditionally features touring cars from world-renowned car manufacturers, has officially become the final two races of the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). HISTORY The Macau Grand Prix was originally conceived in 1954 as a treasure hunt around the streets of the city, but shortly after it was suggested that the hunt's track could host an amateur racing event for local motor enthusiasts. The race continued as an amateur race until 1966, when Belgian driver Mauro Bianchi entered the race with a car by Renault Sport, mostly to promote Renault's image in Hong Kong; this led to more and more professional teams entering the Grand Prix. The motorcycle race was introduced in 1967, and in that year the first fatal tragedy struck the race: double champion Dodjie Laurel was killed when he lost control of his car and crashed, resulting in safety improvements for the race. The first Guia race for touring cars was held in 1972. Macau's Guia Race for touring cars is a particular race for this category, as very few races with these cars are held on street circuits. Since 2005 the race has officially become the final two rounds of FIA World Touring Car Championship . In 1983, it was decided by the organisers that since Formula Atlantic was becoming obsolete, the race would be held as a Formula 3 event. Initially, they wanted to run a F2 race, but as they were unwilling to make any large circuit modifications, which included cutting down trees, the organisers settled for F3. This was considered the right decision, given the fact that now the best young drivers from Europe and Japan are entering the race. The first F3 race was won by a young Ayrton Senna . The 1990 race was a memorable one, as Michael Schumacher took out Mika Häkkinen in a controversial race after the two collided on the final lap when Häkkinen attempted a risky over take; both would become Formula One world champions. Other notable winners are Formula One drivers David Coulthard , Ralf Schumacher and Takuma Sato . Macau is a special event for motorcycle riders too. The Motorcycle Grand Prix has featured many famous Grand Prix riders such as Kevin Schwantz , Carl Fogarty , Ron Haslam and Michael Rutter . In 2005, french rider Bruno Bonhuil suffered a fatal crash. Teddy Yip was one of the main forces behind the Macau Grand Prix, leading the Grand Prix to be one of the most known motor racing events in the world outside Formula 1. The Macau Grand Prix parties he hosted for many years at his home also became a central part of the social aspect of the Grand Prix. One of the bends on Macau's famous Guia Circuit is named after him " Teddy Yip Bend". TODAY The Macau Grand Prix race weekend normally starts on a Thursday and ends on a Sunday on the second or third week of November. The first two days (Thursday and Friday) are generally scheduled for practising and qualifying. All races are held on Saturday and Sunday, with the final rounds of the heavyweights Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix and the Guia Race (scheduled to be the final 2 rounds of the FIA World Touring Car Championship since 2005) held on the last day. Both the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix and the Guia Race are sanctioned by the FIA and the winner of the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix is awarded the FIA Intercontinental Formula 3 Cup. Apart from the two major races held at the race weekend, the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix is also one of the highlights of the weekend since it features former or current racers of the World Superbike Championships. Other races include the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia race, the Formula Renault 2000 race, the Macau Cup, touring car races for the local and Hong Kong racers, and the Scooter race. THE GUIA CIRCUIT Characteristics: A street circuit with a challenging combination of fast straights and tight corners. It is recognised as one of the most demanding circuits in the world.
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