Returning to the challenging streets of Macau with his Formula 2 team, MP Motorsport, Goethe took on the inaugural Formula Regional World Cup – his first time in a Formula Regional car since 2022.
The Red Bull Junior driver started the weekend in style, dominating the rain-soaked opening practice and storming to provisional pole in the first qualifying session.
Qualifying 2, held in dry conditions, proved dramatic, with seven red flags interrupting the 45-minute session. Halfway through the session, the fire extinguisher in Oliver’s car extinguished by itself, and the MP Motorsport crew had to fix it in record time during a red flag period. Despite the disruptions, Goethe was just 0.014 seconds off pole when a final red flag ended the session prematurely, locking in his P2 start for the Qualifying Race.
Saturday’s Qualifying Race began under dry conditions with rain looming. Goethe launched off the line brilliantly, challenging for the lead before an early Safety Car deployment halted his progress. Upon the restart, he showcased his pace by setting the fastest lap. However, rain soon brought the race to a halt. After drivers switched to wet-weather tyres, the race concluded behind the Safety Car, with Goethe crossing the line in second. This result not only earned him a front-row start for the Grand Prix but also marked his first podium finish on the streets of Macau.
The 71st Macau Grand Prix began under bright skies, with Ollie making a strong start and maintaining P2. However, a pile-up at Lisboa corner brought out a red flag almost immediately. After the restart, the race ran for just one lap before the Safety Car was deployed, leaving Ollie with little opportunity to challenge for the lead despite setting the fastest lap. The Grand Prix ultimately ended under Safety Car conditions, with Oliver finishing in P2 and etching his name into the history books of one of motorsport’s most iconic races.
Oliver Goethe: “It’s a bittersweet feeling. Standing on this podium is special, but I really wanted to win this race – I know I had it in me. It all came down to that hundredth of a second in qualifying, which likely decided the outcome of the weekend. Full credit to Ugo – he did an incredible job. I hope to be back here soon and take the top step.”
Jamie Campbell-Walter, Managing Director, Bullet Sports Management:
Ollie had a near-perfect weekend, showcasing exceptional skills in the rain and coming incredibly close to claiming pole. It’s a real shame that the countless interruptions prevented him from fully maximising his potential. I know he wanted to win this race, as every driver dreams of, but a podium finish here is just as special.
