Munich. BMW road racer Peter Hickman (GBR) lived up to his
billing as favourite on the streets of Macau (CHN). On Saturday, he
took victory in the legendary Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix on a BMW S
1000 RR run by the Aspire-Ho by Bathams Racing team. This is the
third time that Hickman has taken victory in the motorcycle classic
at the famous “Guia Circuit”.
The motorcycle race on the narrow 6.120-kilometre track through the
urban canyons of Macau was held for the 52nd time this
year. Hickman secured pole position in qualifying, underlining his
intent to continue his winning run at the “Guia Circuit”.
Hickman initially lost the lead at the start of the race, but the
Brit soon regained his advantage. He led the field on a high-speed
pursuit through the narrow streets, until the race was red flagged
with just three laps remaining, presenting Hickman with victory.
Second place went to his team-mate Michael Rutter (GBR), who was
riding a Honda in Macau. Martin Jessopp (GBR / Ducati) finished third.
Danny Webb (GBR / MGM by Penz13) was also in contention for a podium
spot on his RR and eventually took fourth place. David Johnson (AUS /
PR Racing) was seventh. Derek Sheils (IRL / MGM by Penz13) followed
directly behind in eighth while rookie Davey Todd (GBR / PuraGlobe
Syntainics Racing Oil by Penz13) finished his first Macau Grand Prix
in ninth position.
Victory in Macau is the perfect end to a successful season for
Hickman, who won the Superstock race and the prestigious Senior TT at
the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in June. He also claimed race wins and
podiums at the North West 200 and the Ulster Grand Prix. Hickman also
made it into the British Superbike Championship (BSB) Showdown as one
of the top-six riders over the course of the season.
Peter Hickman: “It’s fantastic for me and the team,
and to give our sponsors Aspire-Ho a win here is absolutely brilliant.
Michael (Rutter) made a much better start than me, which is usual.
He’s always good off the line. I was quite happy just to sit there
following him. Once I was in the lead I tried to get away a bit. Then
I heard Martin (Jessopp) coming closer and after the third lap I got
my head down a little bit to see if I can have a little bit of a gap
and if I could manage it. This is basically what I did. I managed to
win every international road race this year, so that’s pretty
spectacular. And I was in the BSB Showdown as well – so it’s been a
really good year.”