Luca Engstler overcomes setback in Macau but looks ahead to 2025

Macau, November 20, 2024 – The 71st Macau Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious and demanding events in international GT racing, delivered drama, speed, and challenges in a unique setting. Luca Engstler competed with Engstler Motorsport, supported by the Grasser Racing Team (GRT), in his DTM Lamborghini featuring the striking “Macau” Mountain Wolf design. The goal was to test his mettle against the world’s best GT drivers on one of the toughest street circuits.

The 6.12-kilometer Guia Circuit in Macau is infamous for its 24 turns, tight passages, steep elevation changes, and ultra-fast sections like the Mandarin Bend. With top speeds exceeding 250 km/h and nearly 30 meters of elevation difference, the circuit challenges even the most experienced drivers. This year’s event was made even more difficult by near-constant rain throughout the weekend, turning the already challenging course into a true test of skill and focus.

The weekend started on a promising note: in the free practice sessions, the team showed steady progress despite the Lamborghinis’ setup challenges. However, in qualifying, Luca pushed to the absolute limit to make up time. Unfortunately, this effort ended in a dramatic crash in the Mandarin Bend—the fastest corner on the track—where he lost control at 230 km/h and collided heavily with the barriers. The impact, measured at 45G, completely destroyed the car and sent Luca to the hospital for further examination.

Thankfully, Luca was able to leave the hospital soon after. Despite the setback, he remains determined: “The crash was intense, but that’s part of motorsport when you’re pushing the limits. I’m grateful to have come out of it relatively unscathed. Now it’s time to recover and refocus—I’m determined to return to Macau in 2025 and show what I’m capable of.”

Looking ahead to next year, the team is committed to returning to Macau with Luca and delivering a strong performance on this legendary track.