The ceremony occurred in front of more than 150 organisers, members of the Macao community and media in Macao on Thursday.

“The elevation in status of the Macau F3 Grand Prix illustrates the FIA’s high degree of confidence in our ability to stage important international sporting events,” Mr Pun Weng Kun, President of the Macao Sports Bureau said.

Mr Pun received the deed along with Mr Charles Lo Kong Chio, President of the Macau motor sport authority AAMC.

The Sports Bureau of the Macao SAR Government has ramped up community involvement amongst Macao’s 600,000 residents as a result of the FIA’s increased commitment.

Specially minted postage stamps, creative posters, photo contests and, more practically, an improved road access system are all part of a government push to drive the iconic Grand Prix to new heights.

Entries announced at the ceremony for the FIA F3 World Cup and FIA GT World Cup have been hailed as being amongst the strongest ever received at the event.