UGO UGOCHUKWU WINS THE MACAU GRAND PRIX

The 71st edition of the Macau Grand Prix saw Ugo Ugochukwu lead from lights to flag to win the 2024 FIA FR World Cup, becoming the first American winner of the Grand Prix in 43 years, since Bob Earl in 1981.

Ugochukwu’s weekend started on a struggling note. He finished 14th in the first qualifying session of the weekend in treacherous conditions, but his fortunes soon changed once the track dried for the second round of qualifying on Friday.

Ugo was immediately on the pace for Friday’s dry qualifying, setting blistering lap times that saw him consistently towards the front of the pack.

With 15 minutes to go, Ugo set the fastest time to put himself in what would become pole position as he would improve his time shortly before the session ended after a crash at the final corner.

The qualifying race, which set the grid for the grand prix, was held on Saturday afternoon.

Ugo started on pole and kept the lead on the first lap despite being challenged by the other drivers. Despite safety cars eviscerating Ugo’s lead, the McLaren junior was able to keep his lead and win the safety car-ended qualifying race to start on pole for the Grand Prix.

In the Grand Prix, Ugo kept the lead despite several safety car periods, to become the first American winner of the Grand Prix since Bob Earl in 1981.

Reflecting on the win, Ugo said: “It’s an amazing feeling, it’s a race that everbody wants to win. The weekend was perfect, topped Q2, won the quali race, but we had one more step to do and that was to win the quali race and we did just that, son job done. I thank R-ace GP, the car has been perfect all weekend and super happy to come out on top!”

It is a stellar result for Ugo to end his year on as he looks to keep the momentum going into his maiden season of FIA Formula 3 next year with Prema Racing.