In light of Macao's return to China, the Macao Grand Prix '99, which included the Formula 3 Grand Prix, the Guia Race and the Ericsson Formula Challenge Race, was held from November 20 to 21, China Daily reports on November 30.

As a new event, the Ericsson Formula Challenge Race witnessed heated competition among drivers from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Japan, England, New Zealand and the Philippines.

After eight laps, Japan's Takuma Sato clinched the title while his countryman Yu Fukudagawa followed closely second.

Hong Kong's Chan Siu Kuen, final champion of last year's Ericsson China Zhuhai F2000 Championships, was third, making a successful debt in Macao.

Local drivers Henry Lee Jr, Chan Chi Wan and Rui Rui Valente, members of Team Ericsson, made a satisfactory performance in the Guia Race.

Lee Jr finished runner-up in the group for Southeast Asia drivers.

In the Formula 3 Grand Prix, British driver Darren Manning, sponsored by Ericsson, met no severe challenge during two rounds of contest and captured the crown as final champion.