As late summer beckons the arrival of early autumn, the Mdina street circuit, set in the idyllic countryside beneath the imposing bastions of the Old Capital City, will be host, for the fifth consecutive year, the Mdina Grand Prix, promising a magical weekend of classic car racing on the 10 and 11 October. A variety of cultural and other activities will also be organised for the participants and their guests during the days preceding the races which will include guided tours of Valletta, Mdina and the Three Cities and also a tour of the sister Island of Gozo.
Thursday 8 October - The Thomas Smith Hillclimb
A stand alone event that gives the competitors a chance to properly, shake down their vehicles in preparation for the Mdina races over the weekend. Set outside the picturesque village of Mellieha, the competitors will have to tackle the 'Ta' Pennellu hill, a fast 2.5 km stretch that with some 'interesting' bends and corners that will test the cars and the drivers' attributes to the max.
Friday 9 October "Le Concours d'Elegance."
The Mdina Glass Concours d'Elegance has become the premier such Concours in Malta. The organizers will be inviting selected car collectors to bring out some true automotive gems and put them on display at the unique venue that is the city of Mdina. Visitors will be able to feast their eyes on rare and fine examples of what could be classified as nothing less than automotive art.
Saturday 10 October & Sunday 11 October
"Gentlemen (and Ladies), start your engines". The challenging circuit outside Mdina's fortified walls awaits you.
An early start on both days where the demanding 2.2 kilometre street circuit will see the race cars put through their paces on a track with a combination of tight bends, sweeping curves and inclines that wind their way through the valley below Mdina. Drivers have described the circuit as 'simply awesome'. It is fast and exhilarating and the drivers just love this atmosphere.
Saturday morning includes two practice sessions to allow the drivers to acclimatize themselves with the circuit. The afternoon sees the cars let loose individually on the track so as to define the starting order for Sunday's grid.
The real racing kicks off on Sunday. The cars are grouped into packs of 8 to 10 cars and set off around the circuit to provide a thrill for the drivers and spectators alike. The unforgiving nature of the circuit will bring out the very best of performance driving by both the drivers and their classic racing automobiles. A spectacle like no other and a chance for classic race-car owners to put their cars through their paces at a circuit in a unique location whilst offering spectators an occasion to feast their eyes on some examples of fine classic racing machinery going at speed around this fantastic circuit.
The Mdina Grand Prix draws to a close with a party on the Sunday evening where the winners are announced and awarded.
Parking for Saturday and Sunday will be available at Triq L Infetti Rabat with a free Park and Ride Service around the track.