The 2022 Mdina Grand Prix, a staple appointment for classic car enthusiasts, has been cancelled as time has run out for the necessary logistical arrangements for the event to be made.
The announcement was made by the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation on Friday.
“This decision has been taken following discussions with all authorities involved including the local councils, the Police Force, Transport Malta and others. While the committee welcomes the discussions which have taken place, it has become evident that performing all the necessary works and requested arrangements in time, particularly the logistical arrangements required for foreign participants is not going to be possible,” the organisers said.
The event was the subject of opposition by the Rabat, Mdina, and Mtarfa local council over the past few weeks, leading to doubts on whether its 13th edition would take place this year.
“The Malta Classic is not just a motorsport event for classic car enthusiasts. It is an experience for even those who do not have classic car racing at heart. It encompasses the beauty of Malta, the experience of being present in a racing paddock, the possibility of admiring unique classic cars, and of course the actual Grand Prix itself,” the organisers said in their statement.
“As the Malta Classic organising team we pride ourselves on placing Malta on the map as a destination for car enthusiasts and tourists alike. Through the organisation of such an event, we often feature Malta on foreign publications, with a number of motoring and lifestyle journalists attending this event and reporting , thus placing Malta as a destination during the month of October,” they added.
“The Malta Classic committee is now looking forward to commence preparations to ensure that the 2023 edition is organised with the full collaboration of the local councils involved, Transport Malta and the Malta Police Force. This will ensure that all required permits are issued as soon as possible in order to avoid a repeat of this year’s scenario,” it added.
Further communication confirming next year’s edition of the Malta Classic in the “very near future”, the organisers said.