Further cementing macau's reputation as the birthplace of motorsport champions, the city will host the 2009 CIK-FIA World Karting Championship from tomorrow to Sunday at the Kartodromo de Macau.It is the first time the event has been held in Asia and marks yet another triumph for the Automobile General Association Macao-China.
The World Karting Championship, which over the years has helped launch the careers of racing stars such as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton and Robert Kubica, is the sport's most prestigious event.
Entrance to the four-day event is free of charge.
One hundred and seventy karters from 20 countries and regions will take part in the event, one of many celebrations being held this year to mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Macau Special Administrative Region.
In addition to the headline events, the 2009 CIK-FIA World Karting Championship and the 2009 CIK-FIA Karting Asia-Pacific KF3 Championship, the program includes numerous support races as part of the 2009 Macau International Kart Grand Prix.
All three top racers of last year's World Karting Championship will make the trip to Macau, with reigning champion Marco Ardigo (Italy) seeking a third consecutive crown. Libro Toman (Czech Republic) and Gary Catt (Britain), who placed second and third respectively, are set to run Ardigo close, with each looking to take their first title.
Making things even more interesting will be the entry of four-time world cham
pion David Fore (Italy). The two compatriots have won five out of the past nine championships. Local hero
Two-time Macau Karting Champion Joao Afonso will make his world championship debut on his home circuit, becoming the first Macau karter to compete at the pinnacle of the sport.
