Watts banks on experience

The Alan Docking Racing driver dominated the support event 12 months ago and is adamant the knowledge he gained will be a huge help in Formula 3's most important race of the season.

"Experience can help a lot around here and I am so good I did that race last year," he said. "I am really looking forward to this weekend - I've gelled really well with this team and I love the atmosphere.

"The plan for this weekend is to try and be steady - and definitely keep it away from the wall on the first day.

"I am hoping I can do a good job here. I've gone through the list of people who have a real chance of winning, some of them do have good track knowledge, but I don't think anyone is going to really dominate."

Fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton has also vowed to take the conservative approach on the opening day as he makes his second F3 appearance for Manor Motorsport after clinching this year's Formula Renault title.

Hamilton's only previous experience of a street circuit was when he competed in a kart race at Monaco a few years ago - and he has been left wide-eyed by the prospect of racing around the streets of the Chinese city.

He said: "I am really excited about this weekend. The track is mega - just fantastic.

"The aim for me is just to finish, which is why I am going to take is easy on the first day.

"A lot of people have told me to take it easy and even if I end up last after first qualifying on Thursday I will not be too fussed."

Practice for the 50th Macau Grand Prix starts on Thursday morning, with the first session taking place at 2.35am British time. The first qualifying sessions begins at 6.20am British time.