Brabham savours chance to relive glory of 1989 Macau race

A night-time ride on a mini-moto gave David Brabham his first taste of the Guia Circuit, with the then 23-year-old weaving his way around the 6.2km circuit just before midnight, attempting to learn both the corners and the unforgiving walls that frame the iconic track.

A few days later, Brabham climbed into his Formula Three car and drove to victory in the 1989 Macau Grand Prix, beating the likes of Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen.

Now, 20 years later, Brabham is returning to Macau. But when he takes to the virtually unchanged circuit, it will no longer be in a mini-moto or in a Formula Three car. Instead, the 44-year-old Australian will take in the likes of Mandarin Bend and the Melco Hairpin from a hired car, reliving his Macau Grand Prix victory alongside the cars and taxis that have grown in numbers as the once quiet city has mushroomed into a bustling tourist and gaming destination.

Much is being made of Brabham's return. Certainly it is in part because the long-time British resident has not returned since his victory, but it has also been a banner year for the Brabham family.

Earlier this year, Brabham won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a victory he called 'the pinnacle of my career'. He followed the success by winning the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) title in his 11th year of racing in the series.

These victories were stacked upon historical milestones - the 20th anniversary of his Macau triumph and the 50th anniversary of father Sir Jack Brabham's first Formula One World Championship.