Volkswagen most successful engine manufacturer in Macau with eleven Formula 3 victories
Commanding start-finish-victory: Daniel Ticktum wins turbulent Macau Grand Prix

Daniel Ticktum (GB) is the triumphant victor of the FIA Formula 3 World Cup in Macau. The 19-year-old Brit of Team Motopark, who triumphed in the gambler’s paradise in the Far East last year, dominated throughout the race weekend and celebrated a commanding win in both races of the FIA Formula 3 World Cup. Ticktum, who set the fastest lap time in the practice session and won the qualifying race on Saturday, started the main race on Sunday from pole position and refused to surrender the lead right down to the finish line. Swedish team-mates Joel Eriksson and Sacha Fenestraz (F, Carlin) made it two other Formula 3 drivers “powered by Volkswagen” who rounded off the podium. 

The main race – as is so often the case in Macau – was turbulent: On the very first lap there was a collision involving four cars in the tricky Lisboa bend, which caused the safety car to be deployed. Immediately after the restart, another serious accident resulted in a lengthy interruption. After an hour was spent repairing the track barriers, the race continued. Ticktum mastered the restart perfectly and refused to give up the lead down to the chequered flag.

Daniel Ticktum (GB), Dallara F317 Volkswagen #1
“It was a perfect race weekend for us, it couldn’t have gone any better. I am over the moon, it’s an indescribable feeling. We had a perfect setup, I’ve never felt so at one with the car before. Huge thanks go to the whole team. I had to cope with a whole host of situations during the main race. It was difficult, and I had to keep my cool. When I came to Macau for the first time in 2017 I found the track phenomenal. And I’ve learned to love it even more since then.”

Sven Smeets, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
“The accident in today’s race showed once again that motorsport always carries risks and that despite all safety precautions, it’s impossible to rule out serious accidents. Which is why the endeavours of associations, organisers and manufacturers to make motorsport even safer need to be continued. We hope that Sophia Flörsch and everyone else make a speedy recovery.
 
From a sporting perspective, we look back on Macau with satisfaction. First and foremost, naturally we are delighted for Daniel, who delivered an outstanding performance throughout the weekend, and for his Motopark team, who enabled this success. Now with eleven Formula 3 victories, Volkswagen is the most successful engine manufacturer in the history of the Macau Grand Prix. We have experienced numerous successes of young drivers in almost four decades - many led to great motorsport careers, whether in Formula 1 or touring car racing. In the future we will be more involved in customer racing with near-series cars, on the racetrack and in rallying, and in doing so will offer talented youngsters opportunities to advance in championships around the world.”