BMW E30 M3 PLATZ MACAU 1991 "WATSON S" PIRRO #6
The Macau Grand Prix, a 6.2 km (3.8 miles) street circuit combining long, fast stretches with sharply twisting corners, is recognized as one of the most demanding races in the world. It has attracted many international drivers, including Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen, who have competed strongly to secure a win. A victory in Macau can guarantee the driver a career in racing and, in the case of exceptional talent, an immediate invitation to move up to Formula 1, the pinnacle of motor racing.
1991 was the first year that the DTM (German Touring Car Championship) factory teams of BMW and Mercedes-Benz raced in Asia alongside Group A contenders such as the mighty Nissan Skyline GTR, a car which had won practically every race held in Asia and Australia at one time or another.
Sponsored by Watson, the Hong Kong pharmaceutical and grocery giant that is part of the Hutchison Group, the BMW factory team, Schnitzer, entered two BMW M3 DTMs in the Guia saloon car race. Mercedes-Benz countered with three 190E 2.5-16 EVO II DTMs.
The Nissan Skyline GTR, driven by the Japanese racing champion, Kazuyoshi Hoshino, took the lead at the start of the race but after a few laps, with the turbocharged engine and tyres overheating slightly, Emanuella Pirro, driving a BMW M3, car # 6, easily assumed the lead and won the race comfortably. Two Mercedes-Benz 190E DTMs took second and third places whilst the other BMW M3 DTM finished fourth.