21 Jul 2014
FIA WTCC races in Beijing, Shanghai and Macao this October and November
(Macao, July 18, 2014) – The Venetian® Macao announced at a press conference Friday its sponsorship of the latest rising star in the car racing scene, Ma Qinghua, who will be wearing The Venetian Macao logo on his racing helmet and suit on the road. Ma will race on behalf of the Citroën Total WTCC team in the 2014 FIA WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) in Beijing Oct. 4-5, Shanghai Oct. 11-12, and lastly in Macao at the 61st Macau Grand Prix Nov. 14-16 this year.
Attending guests at Friday's press conference at The Venetian Macao included Chinese racer Ma Qinghua; Li Sheng, CEO of SECA and head of Ma's management team; and Olaf Gueldner, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Sands China Ltd. The rising motorsports icon also participated in a hand printing ceremony at the press conference.
“The Venetian Macao is very proud to sponsor Ma Qinghua,” said Gueldner. “China's next sports hero, joining the ranks of athletes like China's favourite boxer Zou Shiming, who we've been honoured to support in his transition from amateur to professional fighter. For our company, it's really important to help develop and promote Chinese athletes around the world, and we're so glad to be able to extend that support to Ma.”
Earlier in the day, Ma paid a visit to Macao's Grand Prix Museum, learning more about the history of the prestigious event ahead of his November Macau Grand Prix debut.
The 26-year-old Shanghai-born racer made history June 8 in Volokolamsk, Russia by becoming the first-ever Chinese-born driver to win an FIA World Championship race, when he won race two of the 2014 FIA WTCC Race of Russia. In addition, Ma's appearance on the street circuit in Macao Nov. 14-16 will mark his Macau Grand Prix debut.
“I am honoured to be supported by such a highly-acclaimed integrated resort,” said Ma.” With the support of The Venetian Macao, I am able to participate in a world-renowned car racing event. This is not only a rare experience in my career, but also a good chance to show fans in mainland China what car racing is like in Macao.”
“Acting as the management team of Ma Qinghua, we hope to help him showcase his talent, presenting to more Chinese audiences the charm of car racing,” said Li. “With the support of The Venetian Macao, we believe that Ma will continue to attain new heights on the racing track.”
Inaugurated in 1987, the FIA WTCC is a global race series sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and attracts a vast following – trackside and through all forms of media. The 2014 championship kicked off April 12 in Marrakesh, Morocco and will end in Macao at the annual Grand Prix event Nov. 16.
For high resolution photos, please access one of the following:
Via Web browser:
http://tinyurl.com/maqinghua-pc
Via FTPS software:
FTPS location: vmlftp.venetian.com.mo
Port: 990
User name: VEN-PRMedia
Password: PR-Media
(case sensitive)
Folder: PR-Media/Events/Ma Qinghua PC
About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao's first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; TAIVEXMALO Day Hospital & Spa; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.
For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.
About Cotai Strip Resorts Macao – Macao's Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao has transformed a gaming-centric day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.
Pulsating with life, both night and day, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.3 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia's leading conferences and exhibitions, gaming excitement, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including international restaurants, bars and lounges. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is a must-see destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.
Comprised of The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world's largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is where Asia's ultimate destination is all within reach.
Cotai Strip Resorts Macao….Macao Starts Here. For more information, please visit http://en.cotaistrip.com.
Media contacts:
Public Relations, Venetian Macau Limited
Lily Cheng
Tel: +853 8118 2013
Email: lily.sw.cheng@sands.com.mo
Lucas Chan
Tel: +853 8118 2624
Email: lucas.chan@sands.com.mo
