A team from Malta International Airport placed third at the first ever Soapbox Car Race during this year's edition of Paqpaqli Għall-Istrina.

Eighteen teams participated in the race, driving their purposely-built soapboxes (or motorless vehicles) downhill while being cheered on by hundreds of families and Maltese car enthusiasts.

"This was an incredible team-building activity for our employees. People from different departments got together to design and build a vehicle from scratch. We're very happy with the result and particularly proud of the fact that this was all done in aid of a great cause," said Christine Camilleri, Malta International Airport Head of Human Resources.

The eight-person team from Malta International Airport named themselves Speed Flyer, and took inspiration for their vehicle from the company's corporate colours blue and yellow. Points were awarded based on creativity in design, showmanship and the actual timed race.

Tonio Darmanin, founder of Paqpaq said: "Paqpaqli Ghall-Istrina has become one of the highlights of Malta's motoring calendar and a key contributor towards funds for The Malta Community Chest Fund. For the first time in nine years, we organised a Soapbox Car Race competition and were overwhelmed with all the positive feedback received from all spectators and participants. We'd like to thank everyone for making this event a huge success!"

Malta's annual motoring event Paqpaqli Għall-Istrina is organised by a team on behalf of The Malta Community Chest Fund together with Mr Darmanin and the Malta Motorsport Federation.

The Soapbox Car Competition took place on December 7th at 10am at the Malta International Airport and Lufthansa Technik.

The teams Ciapella Racing and Smooth 'N' Creamy placed first and second.