Leena Gade: “Covid-19 has changed the GT racing market”

What is the reason why the FIA ​​GT World Cup will not be held in 2020?

The decision was taken by the event organizers in consultation with the FIA, as the FIA ​​GT World Cup is a partnership between the two organisations. It is difficult to assign a single reason because it is a combination of factors. Logistically, it is impossible for either party to know what travel or quarantine restrictions will be in 5 months, and even if the Macau government might put measures in place special, they cannot influence what other governments might do for travelers returning from Macau. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly changed the GT racing market and we cannot say what the long-term effects will be. As a non-championship event, it would have been much more difficult this year for teams to commit to the event which, combined with reduced manufacturers' budgets and a much greater build-up of races at this time of the year year, would have made it almost impossible to build a good grid.

Does the fact that the Guia track is in the center of a major city play a role in the decision?

Not necessarily. It is important to remember that the fact that the GT World Cup is not held in Macau this year does not mean that the Macau Grand Prix will not be held, and I know that the event organizers continue to work in this goal. The location of the circuit was not a major influence on the decision as all of our teams, competitors and officials, are located in the paddock where access is strictly controlled.

Did the potential clash of dates between Macau and the final of the Intercontinental GT Challenge, in Kyalami, weigh in on your decision?

No way. We have regular dialogue with SRO Motorsports on a number of plans, and when this conflict of dates was initially highlighted, SRO made the kind offer to push back their Kyalami event by a week to resolve the issue. So if the FIA ​​GT World Cup had happened, she wouldn't have faced Kyalami.

Have you considered holding the 2020 FIA GT World Cup at another location?

Moving the event to another location would not resolve the challenges the event would have faced in Macau. Budgets would still be reduced and date conflicts with other events would still exist. Also, I think the reason why the FIA ​​GT World Cup has worked so far is because of the presence of Macau. This is a historic tour only used once a year, which makes it special and interesting. If an FIA GT World Cup were to take place on a normal circuit, it would be difficult for the World Cup to differentiate itself.

What about the 2021 FIA GT World Cup?

The FIA ​​has a long-standing relationship with the Automobile Association of Macau China (AAMC). And we will obviously discuss a 2021 edition with them first. As I said, an event like this has to take place in a very special location and there are few options better than Macau. However, we have to be realistic and the event has to be viable for all parties, and if it cannot work in Macau we will of course look at all other options available to us.