The forthcoming weekend will see the second instalment of the now annual Rabat Motorsports Festival, held in the environs of the same locality.

The Mtahleb Hillclimb is synonymous with Maltese motorsport, having been host to regular races in the 70s. The road was built by the Italians and boasted a level of construction that made it unique on the island.

The variety of corners, all of which are properly banked and boast constant radii swiftly elevated this road to iconic status. Unfortunately due to years of neglect the road soon fell into a state of disrepair, and races ceased to be organised for the ensuing thirty years.

Last year the Island Car Club, in collaboration with the Rabat Local Council entered into an agreement to reconstruct parts of the road in order to re-establish motorsport activities in this locality. The initiative was a resounding success, with over 80 cars competing in the maiden event.

This year saw the Island Car Club and Rabat Local Council extend their collaboration with further rehabilitation of the track, with the eventual aim that this will be taken to international standards, allowing the hosting of International Hill Climb events.

This year’s event will be held next Sunday. The first runs will start at 9am.

The Island Car Club has thanked the Rabat Local Council and Mayor Sandro Craus for their continued support and for making the event possible.