Pirelli has pulled out all the stops for the 71st Macau Grand Prix, bringing a distinctive dragon motif on its P Zero tyres to celebrate one of the world’s most celebrated motorsport events. Honouring the 25th anniversary of the Macau Special Administrative Region and the upcoming Year of the Dragon, this special sidewall design captures the spirit of local culture as well as Pirelli’s commitment to performance on the street circuit.
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As the sole tyre supplier for the GT3 cars from 2023 to 2025, Pirelli’s involvement in the Macau GP goes beyond delivering high-performance tyres. This year, Pirelli supports over 120 cars across various classes, including GT3 and GT4 cars, as well as single-seaters competing in the FIA Formula Regional World Cup, which makes its debut at the event. In addition, the brand’s unique Pole Position Award, featuring a dragon emblem, will be presented to the fastest qualifier in the GT3 category.
Pirelli has dispatched a 40-member team of engineers, technicians, and logistical staff to ensure that every car is equipped with tyres optimised for the specific demands of the Macau street circuit. From the high-powered GT3 and GT4 cars using the P Zero DHF for dry and Cinturato WSB for wet conditions, to the single-seaters debuting with the P Zero DMB and Cinturato WSA, Pirelli’s team is prepared to navigate Macau’s unique track conditions, characterised by tight hairpin turns and limited overtaking spaces.
The Grand Prix also includes a field of over 50 Toyotas competing in a local trophy race, adding to the excitement and showcasing the variety of tyres that Pirelli has developed to meet the demands of different racing categories on Macau’s challenging street circuit.
To commemorate the 71st running of the Macau GP and the significant anniversaries being celebrated in China, Pirelli’s P Zero tyres for GT3 cars have been marked with a dragon emblem, bringing a cultural icon to the track. The dragon—a symbol of strength, power, and good fortune in Chinese culture—is also a nod to the 2024 Year of the Dragon. After the race, one of these uniquely designed tyres will find a permanent home in the Macau Grand Prix Museum, becoming part of the event’s rich history and appealing to motorsport fans worldwide.
Matteo Braga, Circuit Activity Manager at Pirelli, highlighted the unique demands of the Macau GP: “As a busy season packed with events and commitments is about to end, our involvement in the Macau Grand Prix is always of special importance to us, both from a technical and organisational point of view. The coming races will be challenging and interesting on a track that presents several hazards linked to its twisty nature with many tight corners. Qualifying well is vital in all categories, when it is crucial to get the most out of the tyres, exploiting their driveability, especially at the hairpin and in the corners.”
With the Macau Grand Prix underway, Pirelli’s investment in both performance and cultural representation shines through. The dragon-themed P Zero tyres, support for debut racing categories, and the unique Pole Position Award underscore Pirelli’s role in one of Asia’s most iconic racing events, bringing a powerful mix of tradition, innovation, and expertise to the streets of Macau.
