The formation of the Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) was announced by its Executive Council yesterday during a news conference at the Dolmen Hotel in Bugibba.

It materialised following a series of intensive negotiations between local motoring clubs and associations. These negotiations have been ongoing since September 2006.

Addressing a the news conference, chairman Joe Anastasi, a pioneer of Motor-Racing in Malta, said the Council was pleased to note that this initiative, indeed one that is intended to primarily consolidate Motorsport in Malta, and to advocate safety, environmental, and educational considerations connected with the sport, was met with enthusiasm by both the local Motorsport community and the authorities alike.

Member clubs ratified the Federation Statute and elected its officers at the Federation’s inaugural General Meeting held on Tuesday.

During that meeting, the officials of the Malta Motorsport Federation were elected. These are Brian St. John as the first President, Joe Anastasi, Chairman of the Executive Council, George Abdilla secretary general, Johann Pace, treasurer, and Mario ‘Banana’ Mifsud, PRO.

The remit of the Malta Motorsport Federation extends across all types of Motorsport and motorcycle sport, be it on-road or off-road. Founder members include the ICC, which is the oldest established club in Malta and which has been responsible for promoting the National Hill Climb and Sprint championship in recent years; the ASM, who have successfully operated an off-road facility for cars and motorcycles at Ta’ Qali for quite a number of years, the IKC (Go Kart racing), AWDC (4x4 offroad), IMRC and MRCM (on-road motorcycle racing), IRMCC (Radio Control car racing at Pembroke), and a number of one make clubs.

The main objectives of the Malta Motorsport Federation shall be to unite all local non-profit Motorsport bodies under one umbrella. It also wants to ensure that safety and environmental considerations are at the top of all Motorsport events in Malta.

During a special presentation, secretary general George Abdilla said the Federation has also started the process of seeking international recognition for the various disciplines practiced by member clubs. An application for affiliation has already been submitted to the FIA, the international ruling body for Motorsport.

Later, Anastasi told the gathering that on Tuesday evening the MMF had been informed by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) that the Maltese federation will soon be recognised by the world body. This is expected to be done officially next month when the MMF will be accepted by the FIA as an affiliated member.

The official launching of the Federation is planned to take place with a two-day Motorsport Festival at Ta’ Qali on Saturday Sunday 13 and 14 October. “This should be the biggest Motorsport event ever held in Malta. It is fabulous to finally see all the clubs contributing and working hand in hand in promoting events for their members. For me it is a 43-year dream come true,” said Anastasi.

Pending the securing of the necessary permits, a series of kart-racing, scooters, mini-motos and RC car events will be organised. The AWDC should be organising a Trials Event; and the ASM will be organizing off-road races for cars and motorcycles. A sprint event organised by the ICC shall be open to members of affiliated clubs. Static displays shall also be organised. Further details about this event will be published in due course.

It was also announced yesterday that a Grand Prix de Malte is being held later on this year. Asked to elaborate, Anastasi said that it will be a one-week festival of motor-sport with the participation of historic and vintage cars pre-1975. “We expect some people of a certain class to come over with their luxurious cars. What will be most interesting will be a race (parade) of some laps around Valletta,” he added.

Finally the Federation expects other members to join in when they will be voncinced that their autonomay will remain untouched.

Anybody wishing to know more about the Federation and Motorsport in Malta is welcome to call Joe Anastasi on 21571025 or 99493434, or George Abdilla on 79760004. email: [email protected]