PM Gonzi inaugurates Malta Grand Prix of the Sea; new 3-5 year contract being re-negotiated with MTA.
The fifth Malta Grand Prix of the Sea was yesterday officially inaugurated by the Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi.
It is the third event in the series of eight races in this year's championship. And it should prove to be a three-day spectacle both on and off the water in the Grand Harbour.
P1 Chief Executive Officer Jim O'Toole said the world body recognised the importance of Malta being an important venue. "It is the only one, in fact, which has hosted five consecutive Grands Prix. We have maintained our strong relationship and we think we should continue using Malta as a regular stop. We are proud to come here and we just hope to stay for many more years," he added.
Dr Gonzi revealed that the contract is being re-negotiated. "This is a wonderful occasion for us. And it is my pleasure to be inaugurating this Malta Grand Prix of the Sea. We are working to stage more editions in future. We are aware of the great potential which this event carries with it. I am confident we will reach an agreement to see the event held again in Malta in the years to come," said Dr Gonzi.
The Prime Minister said it was evident that Malta had become a preferred venue. "We are proud with our Grand Harbour which provides a magnificent backdrop and centuries of history. Moreover, this unique harbour is appropriate for the staging of such Grands Prix which has helped to enhance our reputation which has enabled Malta to become an event-laden destination. It is another feather in our collective cap," he said.
Dr Gonzi described Malta's main strength in three words: heritage, hospitality and diversity, adding that these promise an enriching experience all round.
Dr Gonzi finally said: "The event is mutually beneficial as it helped to enhance the brand value of the competition. On the other hand, without Malta, it will be a poorer P1 World Championship."
Malta will again be represented through Aaron Ciantar who is the pilot of Italian team Conam Yachts. His throttleman is Angelo Tedeschi who is also team boss.
Addressing those present yesterday, Aaron, whose boat is the current leader in the SuperSport class after the first two events in Italy and France, said they wanted to win again here. "We have had a good start to the season. Now I want to win at home so as to make the local spectators happy. In the initial two races of the season, we won pole position. Now we hope to register a third here in Malta. The Malta GP is very important especially for the Maltese and foreign sponsors," he said.
Conam Yachts is occupying first place in the SuperSport class with 360 points after the first two races. Voom.voom.com is second on 260 while Saho is third on 200 points.
Fastest man on water
Legendary throttleman John Tomlinson will be racing with the Italian Cigarette Racing team in the Malta event. He is the winner of 35 US and world titles and has broken no fewer than 10 water speed records, even gracing the Hollywood screen with a stunt role in the 2006 blockbuster Miami Vice.
Entertainment
On every evening and Sunday morning, the main stage will play host to concerts with local acts providing a wealth of music. Tomorrow night, there is a special Powerboat P1 party with an admission charge of 10 euros.
Programme
Today: 11am to 12.30pm Official test session 1; 2pm to 3pm Official test session 2; 4pm to 6pm PowerPole session
Tomorrow: 9am to 11.30am Thunder Cats and Jet Skis; 11.30 to 1pm SuperSport race (round 1); 1.30pm to 1.45pm Podium presentation for SuperSport (round 1); 4pm to 5.30pm Evolution race (round 1); 6pm Podium presentation for Evolution (round 1)
Sunday: 9am to11.30am Thunder Cats and Jet Skis; 11.30pm to 1pm SuperSport race (round 2) followed by Podium presentation; 4pm to 5.30pm Evolution race (round 2) followed by podium presentation for the Evolution race as well as for the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea.