If the Mdina Grand Prix doesn't take place in Mdina, it will not take place at all this year, Secretary of Malta Classic (the organisers behind the event) Karen Zammit Southernwood said.

Several other local councils are calling up the Mdina Grand Prix organisers to hold the classic car race in their own localities, Zammit Southernwood said, following a statement by the Mtarfa, Rabat and Mdina local councils declaring that they are against the Mdina Grand Prix taking place in their area. The Grand Prix is planned to be held between 13 and 16 October this year.

This disapproval arose due to what the three councils called the severe inconvenience for the residents and the serious danger resulting from the congestion that is created during the Grand Prix.

Malta Classic, the organisers behind the popular Grand Prix, have expressed their disappointment over the councils' reactions to the event.

They said that they fully acknowledge the inconveniences caused by the closure of the roads used for the event, but pointed out that this is only a two-day activity that takes place annually and has not happened in two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zammit Southernwood said that while many other local councils have been chasing the organisers to organize the event elsewhere, there is too much planning and logistical setup needed to do in such a short time before the race.

"We cannot move it elsewhere this year, we are certainly exploring other localities for the coming years, but it is impossible to move it this year. If it doesn't happen in Mdina, it will not happen at all," Zammit Southernwood said.

"Seeing the condemnations from other local councils fills us with courage, and we hope that we can reach a compromise with the Mtarfa, Rabat and Mdina local councils to mitigate their concerns," she said.

Zammit Southernwood said that the entire controversy arose over the use of a small part of the Mtarfa bypass and a side road for the race. She acknowledged the fact that these roads will be closed for traffic, possibly causing some congestion, but said that there are alternative routes to take.

Zammit Southernwood also said that the race is certainly not dangerous, as the local councils have claimed.

"The reactions of other local councils send a clear message that the race is a prestigious one, and brings business as well as good quality tourism," she said.