King displays plenty of Eastern promise on his first Macau bow

The legendary 3.8-mile Guia Circuit is feared and revered in equal measure, with past winners of the event including the likes of Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher.

King discovered the hard way just how unforgiving it can be in Thursday’s practice session, clattering into the barriers after finding himself caught out by rain.

However, after lapping ninth quickest and then gaining a couple of places in the ten-lap qualification race, King began the all-important 15-lap Grand Prix from seventh.

“There was a safety car period early on,” said the 19-year-old, “and after the restart, the three cars in front of me looked like they were getting just a little too close for comfort.

“I hung back slightly at a safe distance and sure enough, next time around, they went three-abreast into Turn One and all ran wide on the exit, enabling me to pick up the pieces.”

Winding up an excellent fifth, less than ten seconds shy of victory after almost 40 minutes of racing, King crossed the line ahead of many far more experienced contenders.

What is more, he posted not only the fastest lap - by more than three tenths of a second - but the fastest three laps, including the best of anybody over the whole weekend.

The leading rookie throughout, it was a fitting manner in which to wrap up what has been an outstanding debut season in F3.

“I really enjoyed my first Macau Grand Prix,” he said.

“The race has a magical appeal and I’m very pleased with our performance.

“It was such a boost to beat the standard of drivers that we did, and the pace we had by the end was amazing.

“It was the perfect conclusion to an extremely positive first year in F3 - the icing on the cake.”