Macau. Peter Hickman (GBR) dominated the race weekend in Macau
(CHN) on his new BMW S 1000 RR – however, the second red flag of the
race prevented him from potentially adding another Macau victory to
his collection. The 53rd staging of the Macau Motorcycle
Grand Prix at the famous ‘Guia Circuit’ was red-flagged twice before
eventually being abandoned. Hickman was classified second in the
final result. Victory went to his MGM by Bathams team-mate Michael
Rutter (GBR / Honda).
In the last four years, Hickman has won the iconic Motorcycle Grand
Prix on the narrow streets of Macau three time: in 2015, 2016 and
2018. This year, he was making his first appearance in Macau on the
new BMW S 1000 RR and was looking good to claim victory number four.
Hickman set the fastest time in practice, secured pole position and
also set the pace in the warm-up.
When the race got underway on Saturday afternoon (local time),
pole-sitter Hickman stormed clear of the field, opening up a lead of
seven seconds over second-placed Rutter. However, the race was
red-flagged for the first time on lap four. Rutter got away best at
the re-start and took the lead ahead of Hickman. Hickman hit back on
the second lap after the re-start, passing Rutter to regain the lead.
Shortly after that, however, a crash involving several riders caused
the race to be red-flagged for the second time.
Race control decided to abandon the race. The running order at the
end of the first lap after the re-start was taken as the final result
making Rutter, who was leading at that point, the race winner. Hickman
was second.
“I’m not surprised by the results. The rules here state that after a
second red flag they declare a result regardless of how many laps have
been completed and Michael led the opening lap, so he gets the win.
Obviously right now all thoughts are with the riders involved in
today’s incidents” Hickman said afterwards and added: “The bike was
mega! Huge thanks to Bathams Racing and the continued support of
Smiths Racing alongside all my incredible sponsors and fans.”
In total, six BMW riders were classified in the top ten in the final
result. Davey Todd (GBR / MGM by Penz13) came home fourth, ahead of
Lee Johnston (GBR / Ashcourt Racing) in fifth place. Ian Hutchinson
(GBR) returned to the RR saddle in Macau, where he was racing for the
Milwaukee with SMT team and finished sixth. Gary Johnson (GBR) was
eighth on a BMW HP4 run by Ashcourt Racing. Erno Kostamo (FIN / MGM by
Penz13) was classified in ninth place.