Louth race ace Hickman bags podium place at Macau GP
Peter Hickman and his 8TEN Racing teammate and joint team owner Davey Todd swept the board at the 2025 Macau GP on Saturday with Todd taking the win from Hickman at the 3.8 mile Guia road circuit.
Hickman, who has won the race on four previous occasions, is still recovering from the injuries he received at the Isle of Man TT races back in May was unsure how he would go at the demanding circuit but after the free practice session where he was second to Todd he was raring to go.
Friday’s qualifying was postponed because of rain and took place on Saturday morning just two hours before the race. Hickman completed the session in third place just half a second behind Erno Kostamo with his Zeeco sponsored 8TEN Racing teammate Davey Todd claiming pole position.
Hickman said: “I am happy with where I am right now as wasn’t even sure I could do the times needed to get a front row start. I was concentrating on my race pace and my fitness and what I needed to do with my body. Overall I am pretty happy as I managed to do quite a lot of laps in that session. I am really happy with the Zeeco BMW, the team and bike are working pretty good so lets see how the race goes.”
It was an all BMW front row that took their places on the grid for the start of the 12 lap race and as the lights went out Todd was quick to get away, swiftly followed by Hickman and Kostamo. But Hickman was overtaken by the Finn at Mandarin and the two continued to chase Todd who was beginning to make a break.
On lap three Kostamo made a mistake and overshot at Lisboa which gave Hickman the opportunity to move up to second once again. By this time Todd had established a five second lead but Hickman had a clear track and was able to set the fastest lap on both of the next two laps to reduce the gap to Todd.
On lap seven Todd responded and stepped up a gear setting the fastest lap of the race to pull away once again. Hickman was holding the runner up spot well ahead of Kostamo who had recovered back into third place and the three riders continued in that position over the last five laps to the chequered flag.
After the race Hickman said: “Well I still have the pace, I was only a couple of tenths off Davey although I am sure he had some more in the bag. To be able to be close at the minute with the position I am in personally I am really happy. Now I just need to work on myself over the winter ready for the 2026 season.
“A massive thanks to Zeeko, BMW, all the girls and boys at 8TEN Racing and all our sponsors. They all made sure we got here. It cant get much better than a one two for the team!”