17 November 2019 - Macau Grand Prix

SJM Prema Theodore Racing scores double top-10 finish in 66th Macau Grand Prix

SJM Prema Theodore Racing faced up and down fortunes in the 66th edition of the Macau Grand Prix. Starting from the second place on the grid after yesterday’s brilliant podium finish in the qualification race, Russian Robert Shwartzman picked up damage after contact during the opening lap and was forced to park his car with a broken front wing on the outside of Lisboa corner.

That left the team with two cars running outside the top-15, as Marcus Armstrong and Frederik Vesti had low starting positions after being held up by an incident in yesterday’s early melee. Neither the New Zealander or the Dane gave up without a fight and both sliced their way through the field with brilliant overtaking manoeuvres.
Setting some of the fastest laps of the day, Armstrong eventually finished in eighth showcasing his talent with bold moves at Lisboa and only one safety-car to help his efforts.

Frederik Vesti delivered an equally impressive comeback from 18th place on the grid to the top-10. The 17-year-old racer left a strong impression showing great pace and consistency.

#2 – Marcus Armstrong

“It’s a shame for the result because this weekend everything has been almost perfect. The car was really good, the starts, tires, warmups were very strong. Unfortunately, I made a mistake in qualifying and then there was the pile-up in race 1. That’s Macau, but we were fast, and we showed we had the potential to be at the front.”

#3 – Frederik Vesti

“It has been a really nice weekend, probably the best of my life. To race here in Macau is very special, and this year with the new car it has been amazing. Today we had a good recovery from P18 to P10 with a lot more potential, which is the most positive part. We learned a lot of things, but we know that the speed is there. With the bad luck of yesterday, I think we scored a good result”

#5 – Robert Shwartzman

“Unfortunately the Macau Grand Prix did not go our way. We did a great job yesterday only to see our day end in the opening lap with a slight contact. I guess this is what can happen at Macau and that’s why it is one of the world’s hardest races. Now I will keep my head down and prepare for the next season!”

Theodore Racing CEO, Mr. Teddy Yip Jr.,

“It is a disappointing result today as we were capable of having a podium but the cards were not in our favour. All three drivers have all performed phenomenally this week and it was an honour to have them represent SJM Prema Theodore Racing both on and off the track. I am very proud to have had each of them with us here. I’d like to say thank you to René and everyone at Prema for delivering such a competitive car this weekend and to our sponsors and partners, SJM, ICBC, K.S. Sze & Sons and Evisu, who have supported us this year. We will be back.”

Theodore Racing Managing Director, Mr David Kennedy,

“As I said at the start of the weekend, you can never predict what will happen in Macau! Without doubt this is the race that got away. Clearly it is disappointing not to get a podium, but I applaud the outstanding drives we witnessed from Marcus and Frederik. The casino city wasn’t with us this time. Despite this I’d like to say a big thank you to the drivers as they have been excellent ambassadors for our loyal sponsors and partners while representing SJM Prema Theodore Racing.”

Ms. Daisy Ho, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (“SJM”) said,

“SJM is delighted to continue our partnership with Teddy Yip Jr. and Theodore Racing in this world-famous local motorsport spectacular for the seventh consecutive year. We applaud the tremendous efforts of our three young and talented drivers – Marcus Armstrong, Frederik Vesti and Robert Shwartzman. SJM and the Team have shared many happy and memorable moments, not only on the racetrack, but also with the local community.”