After being 2nd and 1st during the official Free Practice sessions, the Macau Government, MacauSlot.com and Sujika Crafts supported driver didn’t complete a lap in the Qualifying due to technical problems with the car. Race 1 saw Avila’s Ferrari stopping in the first corner of the Warm-Lap. An accelerator trouble was guilty for the Macau SAR competitor retirement. Finally, on Sunday, Avila had his first GT racing of his motorsport career.

Avila’s race developed into a battle between him and Ferrari 430 Challenge of Yu Kam Cheong. Avila attempted many times to get ahead but Yu Kam Cheong was having none of it. On lap 2 on the main straight, Avila’s car finally managed to nose ahead, but as they approached T1, Yu had the inside line and managed to fend off Avila. Still Avila was not going to settle for third and continued his attacks. On lap 3, Macanese driver made it pass once more only to lose it again at the next turn.

At this time, due to their hot battle, Michael Lee’s Chevrolet Corvette has caught up with the warring Avila and Yu. A battling duo has become a trio. At T13 on lap 5, Michael Lee passed Avila down the inside, but this did not last for long. Avila was able to pass him back two corners later. One lap after Yu Kam Cheong makes a mistake and Avila didn’t give him a chance and secured the 2nd final position.

“Apart from the technical issues of Saturday, I must say, that was a great experience. I had a very funny race on Sunday. I was much quicker than my opponent but his car was too quick on the straight lines. It was a fair battle and I was glad to be on the podium again”, held Avila.

Rodolfo Avila should announce his racing plans for the season 2008 in the next few days.

For more info, please contact:
www.rodolfoavila.com
info@rodolfoavila.com
Tel.: +85366881829 or +351963258610

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During the Pan Delta Super Racing Festival Rodolfo Avila will make his first appearance at the wheel of a GT car. The Macau SAR official did a couple of Free Practice sessions this Thursday to get adapted to the Ferrari, and proved to be the quicker driver of his team. However the 21 years old driver doesn’t rate his chances high for the weekend.

“This invitation came in the last minute. I was arriving to Macau coming from England, where I study, when I got the good news. I never drove a Ferrari in my life before and I have no past GT cars race experience. So, this is an awesome opportunity to try GT racing. I think it will be tough to get an amazing result as my car isn’t the best of the field. There are other cars in the grid with more 100hp than my Ferrari, but I’ll do my best to bring a good result to Macau”, said Avila.

The official practice sessions will start in Friday morning, followed by the 30-minutes single Qualifying session on Saturday’s morning. The first 10-laps race will be held on Saturday after lunch, and the second race is scheduled for Sunday.

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Rodolfo Avila at Grand Prix of Macau 2007

The 20-year old Macau driver was the best of local driver in 2007 Macau GP F3 race, and he is looking for several options to prepare correctly the 2008 edition. Looking to the future, Avila is pursuing a number of racing options but he doesn’t forget his mission to defend Macau colours in the most prestigious motorsport circuits.

“Obviously my first choice remains International Formula Master. I know I can get much better results than I did in 2007. Anyway the last word is in the hands of my sponsors. It is important to me, however, to keep my race skills fully exercised. Therefore, I have been considering other options for the 2008 season. There are good opportunities outside of Europe like Japanese F3, which I want to explore and I am very much looking forward to developments in the coming weeks”, says Avila.

2007 was Avila’s first season in International Formula Master (IFM) and his first in European single seaters having graduated from British and Asian motor racing. A couple of strong performances at Pau (France) and Anderstorp (Sweden) last season saw him helping Cram Competition to achieve the IFM Teams’ titl

Website: RodolfoAvila.com 

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Rodolfo getting ready for Macau Grand Prix

After a slight crash on Thursday Free Practice 1 Avila decided to not take unnecessary risks. In the Saturday’s Qualifying Race Avila started from 26th to climb nine positions during the 10 laps around the famous Guia Circuit. “The weekend didn’t start brightly for me but we worked hard to get better. I didn’t want to take risks in the first weekend race so I kept my pace, and I controlled my advantage to the other Macanese drivers”, held the #28 HBR Motorsport driver.

On Sunday the 20 year-old Macanese driver challenged the front runners at the start and finished the weekend top local driver. Commenting on Macau GP’s adventure, Rodolfo Avila said: “I did a very good start, and I was 9th at some point but then I decided to not interfere with top-runners fight. That wasn’t my war. I settle on my objectives, and I kept my head cooler. When I saw I had a comfortable advantage to the other Macanese opponents I slowed down a bit. I learned an awful lot out there today and it will only help me for future”.

The Macau SAR international motorsport ambassador is looking forward next season “At the moment I don’t know what is going to happen next season. I have several proposals from several championships but we have to speak with our sponsors before. I owe a great deal of thanks to Macau Government, Macau-slot.com, BNU, CESLAsia, PAL AsiaConsult, TsingTao Beer, Fat Siu Lau Restaurant, Sujika Crafts, PT Asia and Chubb, and to every Macanese who supported me during the season 2007”.

Season 2008… Coming soon…

For more info, please contact:
Webpage: www.rodolfoavila.com
Email: info@rodolfoavila.com
Telef.: +85366881829 or
+351963258610

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Rodolfo Avila getting ready for qualifying session

The conditions for the qualifying race were perfect, although a little too hot for the slippery track, meaning tyre pressure was an important part of race tactics today. Rodolfo was starting from 28th position on the grid.
Rodolfo at the grid for the qualifying race

Oliver Jarvis has taken victory in the qualifying race for the Macau Grand Prix after coming out on top of a race long battle with British F3 International Series title winner Marko Asmer.

Rodolfo Avila had a great start and despite a few incidents along the way manage to slowly better his position to 17th on the grid for tomorrows race. He still was not quite happy with the set-up of his car, so he will work with his tea tonight to fulfill his goal to finish as Macau’s top driver in the Grand Prix of Macau. His team mate Marco van Dam stalled at the start of qualifying, but still managed to hold on 14th position on the grid.

In a race that was red-flagged following a number of incidents, Jarvis took victory when the result was called at the completion of seven laps, the Team Reckless Tom’s man finishing less than two seconds ahead of Asmer and fellow Tom’s driver Kazuya Oshima who completed the podium.

As is the norm in Macau, there was drama at the start with a multi-car incident coming on the run down to Lisboa that eliminated front-runners Sebastien Buemi and Edoardo Mortara from the race and delayed a number of other runners. Jarvis meanwhile had lost the lead at the start and was following Asmer when the Safety Car was deployed to remove the Signature Plus car of Esteban Guerrieri — which had avoided the first corner incident only to go off later round the lap.

However, two incidents in as many laps — one involving Nico Hulkenberg and Bruno Senna and one including Atte Mustonen — led to the race being halted and the result counted back to lap seven, giving Jarvis victory.

With thanks to Rodolfo Avila and the HBR Racing Team

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For someone like us who have never been in the pits before at Formula Three car racing, it was an fantastic day and experience indeed.

Upon arrival, we were immediately welcomed by Rodolfo Avila and talked a little bit about his season this year in the International Formula Masters Series in which his team won the championship.

He said that he had a pretty disappointing season and is looking forward to do better with racing again next year.

In this year’s Formula Three Macau Grand Prix he is racing with the HBR team where he is driving a 220 HP Mercedes powered Dallara chassis car. A fast lap around the track takes about 2 minutes and 15 seconds, fasted time today was by Oliver Jarvis at 2:14.149.

Rodolfo managed a disappointing 28th place with 2:17:392, whilst his team mated Marco van Dam, whom happens to Dutch like us, finished 14th with a best time of 2:13:351.

We are looking forward to a great qualifying session on Saturday, with big improvements expected by both drivers.

Todays, Friday 16 November 2007, qualifying times; GP of Macau

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Taking part from the touring car camp was two-time Champion Andy Priaulx teamed up with Gabriele Tarquini and Alain Menu to relay with fellow drivers Augusto Farfus, Macau veteran Tom Coronel and Nicola Larini. From the Formula 3 camp was Bruno Senna, Marko Asmer and Kazuya Oshima on the first relay, team with Rodolfo Avila, Brendon Hartley and Nicolas Hulkenberg on the second relay. Rounding out the event entry was six-time Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix winner Michael Rutter, with fellow riders Les Shand and 2003 winner John McGuinness. The second team consisted of Conor Cummins, Joao Fernandes and Supersport class racer Cameron Donald.

It was the touring car driver’s team of Yvan Muller, Gabriele Tarquini and Robert Huff who proved too strong for their competition as they won the time trial, completing the 200-meter course in 1 minute and 13 seconds. The Formula 3 team consisting of Romain Grosjean, Oliver Jarvis and Yelmer Buurman came in second with a time of 1 minute and 22 seconds, and the motorcycle team of John Haner, Jeremy Toye and Mark Miller finished third, clocking in 1 minute and 24 seconds.

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“This is my home race, and I really want to be part of the party. This is a unique, high profile event that has put many drivers on the map. Every young driver like me wants to have at least a single opportunity in this event. The circuit is full of extreme contrasts and is a huge challenge for every driver”, said Avila who is going to face an uphill battle.

This year marks the 25th running of the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix, where the world’s best Formula 3 drivers assemble at former Portuguese territory to do battle for the coveted title, and step in to the fast lane to the FIA Formula One World Championship. The Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix is the FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup, the only race in the category to hold the title, and the reason why it is perceived as the ‘World Cup of Formula 3’.

“I met my team yesterday, and we completed the scrutineering processes today. I’ve been involved in promotional activities as well. Tomorrow the weekend begins. We are confident. I believe my cooperation with my team-mate Carlo van Dam (German F3 2007 Champion) will be profitable. As I said before I want to fight with the big boys, but hope to finish as the first of the Macanese drivers too”, held the #28 driver.

Rodolfo Avila received a very good new in the beginning of the week. He has secured support for Macau GP from his long-time sponsor Chubb - UTC Fire and Security. Avila is already proudly sponsored by Macau Government, Macau-slot.com, BNU, CESLAsia, PAL AsiaConsult, TsingTao, Fat Siu Lau Restaurant, Sujika Crafts and PT Asia.

Testing and Qualifying 1 gets underway tomorrow, November 15 with further testing and Qualifying 2 on Friday. The pre-final takes place on Saturday and the final on Sunday.

Photo: James Bearne

For more info, please contact:
Webpage: www.rodolfoavila.com
Email: info@rodolfoavila.com
Telef.: +853-6688-1829 or
+351-963-258-610

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Macanese racing driver Rodolfo Avila is ready to challenge his highlight of the season, the 54th Macau Grand Prix - FIA Formula 3 Intercontinental Cup.

“I am obviously very excited to be back in a car for my hometown race. Driving through the streets of my town supported by our Macanese motorsport fans is an extraordinary feeling. This year I hope to enjoy the Guia Circuit as much as I can, and improve my driving on every session leading up to the big race. In the race I want to give my best and will try to get a middle table or even better result as this one of the strongest editions of the race history”, says Avila.

During 2007 season Rodolfo Avila experienced the brand new International Formula Master, and competed in two F3 meetings – Oulton Park British F3 Round 1 and the prestigious “Zandvoort Masters of F3 at Zolder”. But the 20 years old racing driver doesn’t fear the lack of F3 miles. “Of course the cars are different. The IFM car requires a completely different driving style to an F3 car. Anyway the IFM season gave me more miles and valorous racing experience”

“I want to be the best of the local drivers and I am sure I can do it easily. But I wish to fight with some of the overseas drivers. My single advantage is to know the circuit quite well as I never completed a top-class F3 season in my life. I look forward to working together with some guys that I have in the past. Our motivation is high and we have nothing to loose”, explains the driver proudly supported by Macau Government, Macau-slot.com, BNU, CESLAsia, PAL AsiaConsult, TsingTao, Fat Siu Lau Restaurant, Sujika Crafts and PT Asia.

Through the European season Avila was a racing driver, and an ambassador of Macau in motor sport world. Before the most important race of the year Macau SAR official driver wants to express his thankfulness: “Macau Grand Prix one of the most exciting and important events in the motor sport calendar and I am proud to be part of it. I want to show my gratitude to every single Macanese who will be supporting me during the weekend, and send a special ‘thank you’ to my sponsors who believed in this project since the beginning”.

Practice and qualifying sessions for the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix will be held on November 15 and 16 (Thursday and Friday), with the 10-lap Qualification Race scheduled on Saturday.

The Macau Grand Prix grand final is planned for Sunday on the 18th November.

Courtesy: Rodolfo Avila

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Rodolfo will be racing for the Austrian HBR Motorsport Team.

We invite anyone who would like to ask him a question relating the GP to contact us and we shall forward to him to get answers on it.

Following is his bio.

Rodolfo Avila
Age: 20
Date of Birth: 19th February 1987
Birthplace: Lisbon, Portugal
Residence: Macau
Profession: Racing Driver
Marital Status: Single
Hobbies: PC Games, Music
Favourite Track: Macau Guia Circus

Following find the entry list for the Polytec F3 Grand Prix of Macau

The famous Maternity Bend

All images and information courtesy GP of Macau and Rodolfo Avila

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