Whiting flew in from the Brazilian GP yesterday and conducted track inspections to major upgrades to the 6.12km road circuit.

Whiting praised Macau organisers.

“There are improvements every year – and this year has seen a major upgrade, “he said.

“There are new Techpro barriers in strategic positions , more cranes and changes to kerbs.”

Whiting conducted a confirmation inspection with Macau officials at dawn today and declared the track ‘go’ for the first sessions of practice.

“Officials here are amongst the best , “ he said.

“Because it is a road circuit there are more than 138 gates which have to be opened and closed each day – a massive task in itself.”

The Macau GP has changed its safety protocols in line with FIA recommendations.

Red flags which have stopped sessions for debris clearance have been replaced with a protocol of Full Course Yellow flags in order to keep the race meeting mobile.

“Officials are able to trust drivers to maintain a slow speed – in this case 80kmh- and to be able to work without halt,“Whiting said.

Entrants in the FIA F3 World Cup face a 40 minute practice and 30 minute qualifying session on the opening day.

FIA GT Cup drivers have a 30 minute practice before qualifying on Day two.