Malta’s Historic and Classic Car Grand Prix 2012

The Valletta Grand Prix Foundation is launching the Mdina Grand Prix 2012, which will be staged between 11th and 14th October, in the picturesque setting beneath the Bastions of Mdina, Malta’s Old Capital city.

8 March 2012, 12:00am

2 min read

What started off in 2009 as a dream with an organization going into motion all in within a few weeks has now transcribed into a prestigious annual event which is becoming also internationally renowned with participants from all over Europe attending. The event which was a first for Malta, having recruited foreign participants to take part in competitive motorsport, clearly illustrates the high standards that are being portrayed.

Last year's event, that was spread over three days from the Concours d Elegance on Friday to a weekend of racing, has been described as another success with major coverage both locally and also the by the international classic motorsport press. Enhancing the event were various local activities that continued to illustrate what Malta had to offer in terms history and culture

Over the weekend, spectators were also treated to Static Car Exhibitions put up, in collaboration with the VGPF, by the Old Motors Club (OMC) VW Club Malta and various other local motoring clubs.

This year the Mdina Grand Prix promises to be even more spectacular, with the programme being further extended by another day in order to accomodate more competitive and social gatherings. Preparations are in full swing and entries for the Grand Prix and Concourse will soon be available online.

The event would not be possible without the logistical support from the Mdina Local Council, backed by the Mtarfa and Rabat Local Councils, together with the continued support and cooperation of the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), the Malta Council for Sport (KMS), Transport Malta (TM), the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communication (MITC) and the Malta Police Force, as well as the collaboration of the Old Motors Club (OMC), Island Car Club (ICC), the Malta Motorsports Federation (MMF), the Malta Drag Racing Association (MDRA) plus our dedicated Corporate Sponsors.

Enquires for the 2012 event participation being static or competing are kindly requested to contact Josef Abela on 356 9947 7735 or via e-mail on [email protected] or Ivan Bartolo on 356 9947 3377 or via e-mail on [email protected].

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I wish the Foundation every success. But why is the Foundation misrepresenting this event with its poster? When did those cars take part in Malta? Was the event promoted by the Foundation in that case? Why is this event called a “Grand Prix” when it is simply a Sprint and a hill climb at Mtahleb? Why does the Foundation not indicate clearly what kind of event this is in the leaflet it is sending to foreigners? Where are the 2012 competition rules for this event? Is the Foundation not raising the expectations of participants and spectators with its misleading publicity, including a “circuit” of 2.2 kms? A fee of 3,190 euro for two people from the UK, excluding air fares, is not a negligible sum - if they then find out that this is just a Sprint. Why cannot 4 or more cars of the same category and class race together, instead of one at a time? How many foreign cars and drivers took part in the very first race in 2007 in the Grand Prix de Malte in Valletta, and in last year’s Mdina event? We have gone back not forward!

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Nispera li jsir ftit tal-hsieb ghax l-ahhar darba ir-residenti tal-Mtarfa spiccaw bl-ikbar inkonvenjent. Id-dhul principali ghal Mtarfa gie maghluq bil blokki tal-konkrit. Ir-residenti ma gewx ikkonsultati w ghal tlett ijiem spiccaw idduru dawra enormi sabiex immoru d-dar.