The Malta Motorsport Federation, in conjunction with the Kunsill Malti għall-Isport, will be holding the Gozo Grand Sprint 2010 next month.

The event has the full backing of the Gozo Ministry and the Sports Secretariat.

The federation is expecting to have between 80 and 100 entries for the Sprint 2010 which is planned to be held on 20 and 21 November.

Local Motorsport federation president Tonio Cini revealed that rallying great Ari Vatanen had accepted an invitation to attend the Sprint 2010.

“Vatanen needs no introduction... he will be our special guest,” Cini told those present at the lauching of the event earlier this week.

“He was rallying champion twice in 1981 and 1987 and also won the Paris-Dakar Rally four times. He was also presented with the Gregory Grant Award for his success in his motoring career in sport.

“Sprint 2010 will be an all-round effort with backing coming from different quarters, not least the Island Car Club and the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation,” he said.

During the launching, which was also attended by the Minister for Gozo, Ms Giovanna Debono, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Sports, Clyde Puli, details were also given of the routes to be adopted for Sprint 2010.

The circuit will be 3.15 kilometres long, starting outside Rabat and on to Xagħra. It will pass through Mgarr Road, San Anard Street, Madonna Tar-Rummiena Road, and Ta’ Hamet Road.