VALLETTA GRAND PRIX FOUNDATION

VALLETTA GRAND PRIX
FOUNDATION
ENQUIRES
Email: [email protected]
Josef Abela - Mobile: (+356) 9947 7735
Ivan Bartolo - Mobile: (+356) 9947 3377
TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS
OVERSEAS JOURNALISTS’ REPORTS
The Valleta Grand Prix Foundation – six years on
2007 saw Malta’s first ever Classic Car Grand Prix take place. This was held on the ring road circling the capital city of Valletta. On that occasion,
Malta witnessed some of Europe’s finest classic cars touring around our Islands and bringing the event to a climax with a weekend of breath-taking
wheel to wheel racing on the Valletta circuit. There was an incredible array of cars ranging from 1920’s and 1930’s Bugattis to 1950’s Ferraris and
Maseratis, Jaguars, an Alfa Romeo P2, a Ford GT40, all prestigious cars, and many others.
Such was the interest generated by this singular event amongst local classic car enthusiasts that a number of them got together and, on 19th April,
2009, the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation was set up to organise an annual classic car racing event round the Valletta ring road.
The Foundation’s first of such events for local participants was held that same year, with the backing of local authorities and a handful of adventurous
sponsors, and it proved to be a great success among participants, enthusiasts and the public at large. This was then followed by a larger and equally
successful event on the Valletta circuit, this time with overseas participants taking part, in 2010.
The following year, however, owing to the commencement of massive construction works undertaken by Government on the approach roads and the
entrance to Valletta, which has been selected to be the 2018 European Capital for Culture, the Foundation was forced to seek another suitable
venue for its annual event. It was no surprise that the choice fell on Mdina, the Old Capital City of Malta, which proffered a 2.2 Km circuit which
seemed to have been purposely laid out for street car racing. Starting off from the Old Train Station beneath the majestic walls of the Medieval City,
crossing the valley to beneath Mtarfa, a small town that housed British Military Barracks and a Military Hospital for almost a century, and returning to
beneath the walls of Mdina, this circuit offered challenging corners, a hill climb and narrow winding roads, with sufficient straights to allow overtaking
and provide as many thrills as any driver could wish for.
With the backing of local authorities, the Foundation’s event was transferred in 2011 to this new circuit, where it has remained in the three years that
followed, growing in stature and popularity, with the participation of prestige local and foreign vehicles, being well backed by more and more
sponsors of repute and attracting ever increasing numbers of spectators, both local and foreign.
Now, in its fifth year, the Mdina Grand Prix again promises to be yet another fantastic event, offering local and overseas participants a weekend of
street racing and hill climbing on a separate track, as well as a Concours d’ Elegance held in the main square of the Medieval City, in which the finest
local period cars and motorbikes will vie for trophies with the swelling numbers of overseas participants’ entries.
For those who are interested, there shall also be offered, as in previous years, cultural tours throughout the Island of Malta and its sister Island, Gozo.
VALLETTA GRAND PRIX
FOUNDATION
MDINA Grand Prix
Photo: Audrey Camilleri
MDINA Grand Prix
Event Programme
The Mdina Grand Prix Classic Car Event will be held this year between the 8th and the 11th October. 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 10th and
11th. 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 8th 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 9th 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 10th October & Sunday 11th October
“Gentlemen (and Ladies), start your engines”. The challenging circuit outside Mdina’s fortified walls, awaits.
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 acclimatise 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.
Sunday. This is where the real racing kicks off. 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. A chance for classic race-car owners to
put their cars through their paces at a circuit in a unique location and a chance for spectators 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.
programma degli eventi
Il Gran Premio di Mdina per auto d’epoca si terrà quest’anno tra l’8 e l’11 ottobre 2015.
Come ad ogni estate segue l’autunno, così la città di Mdina ed il suo circuito stradale immerso nella circostante rigogliosa
campagna, ospitano il Gran Premio di Mdina che, snodandosi lungo gli imponenti bastioni della vecchia capitale storica, promette
un magico week end con auto classiche e d’epoca che si confronteranno nei giorni 10 e 11. E’ questo il quinto anno consecutivo
che la Valletta Gran Prix Foundation di Malta organizza questo spettacolare avvenimento.
Nei giorni che precederanno le gare, verranno organizzati, per i partecipanti e i loro ospiti, una serie di imperdibili eventi culturali
e non, fra cui spiccano le visite guidate di Valletta, Mdina, le Tre città e un tour dell’isola “sorella” di Gozo.
Giovedi 8 ottobre – Thomas Smith Hillclimb.
La corsa in salita, un evento a sè stante che dà ai concorrenti la possibilità di stressare opportunamente le loro macchine in vista
delle gare del fine settimana di Mdina. La gara si svolgerà appena fuori il pittoresco villaggio di Mellieha, dove i concorrenti
dovranno affrontare la collina Ta’ Pennellu, un percorso veloce di 2,5 Km che, con alcuni tornanti e curve mozzafiato, metteranno
a dura prova sia le vetture che la perizia dei piloti.
Venerdi 9 ottobre – “Concours d’Elegance”
Il “Mdina Glass Concours d’Elegance” è divenuto l’evento clou di questi concorsi a Malta. Gli organizzatori inviteranno alcuni
collezionisti con i migliori gioielli automobilistici d’epoca a metterli in mostra nel centro della città storica di Mdina. I visitatori
potranno ammirare degli esemplari così rari e raffinati da essere classificati come arte automobilistica.
Sabato 10 e Domenica 11 ottobre
“Signori (e Signore), avviate i motori. L’impegnativo circuito lungo le mura fortificate di Mdina vi attende”.
Con inizio di buon mattino, in entrambi i giorni, il circuito cittadino di 2,2 Km vedrà i bolidi messi alla prova su una difficile pista
caratterizzata da un’alternanza di curve strette, larghe, e dislivelli che si snoda attraverso la valle sottostante Mdina. I piloti che in
passato vi hanno partecipato hanno descritto il circuito come “ semplicemente impressionante”. Esso è veloce ed esilarante, ed i
piloti amano davvero questa atmosfera.
Per il sabato mattina sono previste due sessioni di prove libere per permettere ai piloti di acclimatarsi con il circuito. Il pomeriggio
avranno luogo le prove libere individuali per le vetture partecipanti, il cui esito definirà l’ordine di partenza per la griglia di
domenica.
Domenica è il giorno della gara vera e propria. Le auto sono riunite in gruppi da 8 o 10 auto che percorreranno il circuito e
forniranno un primo brivido a piloti e spettatori. La difficile natura del circuito tirerà fuori le migliori prestazioni sia dai piloti che
dalle loro automobili d’epoca. Uno spettacolo unico. Per i proprietari di auto classiche sarà l’occasione di mettere le loro auto
alla prova su un circuito situato in una posizione straordinaria e, per gli spettatori, la possibilità di imbattersi in alcuni tra i più raffinati
esemplari di auto classiche rombanti ad alta velocità.
Il Gran Premio di Mdina si chiuderà la sera di domenica con una cerimonia festosa nel corso della quale saranno presentati e
premiati i vincitori.
VALLETTA GRAND PRIX
FOUNDATION
Il programma potrà variare senza preavviso.
MDINA Grand Prix
Photo: Roberto Runza
Photo: Audrey Camilleri
Photo: Roberto Runza
MDINA Grand Prix
Photo: Matthew Scerri
Programme de l’événement
Le Grand Prix de Mdina aura lieu du 8 au 11 Octobre 2015.
Alors que la fin de l’été annonce l’arrivée de l’automne, le circuit urbain de Mdina, plongé au coeur de la campagne idyllique
au-delà des imposantes fortifications de l’Ancienne Capitale, recevra pour la cinquième année consécutive le Grand Prix de
Mdina, promettant alors un week-end d’anthologie pour le monde de la course auto les 10 et 11 mars. Un grand nombres d’activités
culturelles et autres seront organisées pour les participants et leurs invités pendant les jours précédant les courses, parmi lesquelles
une visite guidée de La Valette, de Mdina et des Trois Cités ainsi qu’une visite de la petite soeur de Malte, l’île de Gozo.
Jeudi 8 Octobre - La course de montagne Thomas Smith
Il s’agit là d’un événement indépendant qui donnera aux compétiteurs l’opportunité de chauffer leurs voitures avant les courses de
Mdina qui se dérouleront pendant le week-end. Aux alentours du joli village pittoresque de Mellieha, les concurrents devront gravir
le mont de Ta’ Pennellu, un parcours de 2,5 km avec plusieurs virages et coudes serrés qui devraient mettre l’habileté du conducteur
et maniabilité de la voiture au défi.
Vendredi 9 octobre - « Le Concours d’Elégance »
Le Concours d’Elégance auto de Mdina est devenu le plus grand Concours de ce type à Malte. Les organisateurs inviteront des
collectionneurs de voitures qui amèneront avec eux de véritables bijoux automobiles. Les voitures de collections seront exposées
dans un cadre unique, la ville de Mdina. Les visiteurs pourront s’enthousiasmer devant quelques rares modèles qui pourraient
véritablement être considérées comme de l’art automobile.
Samedi 10 Octobre et Dimanche 11 Octobre
« Messieurs (et mesdames), faites ronfler les moteurs ! » L’épreuve du circuit, situé à l’extérieur des remparts de la ville de Mdina vous
attend.
Les deux journées commenceront dès potron-minet, le circuit urbain de 2,2 kilomètres donnera aux voitures de courses du fil à
retordre à travers un ensemble de virages serrés, de courbes sinueuses et de pentes qui parcourent la vallée de Mdina. Selon, les
pilotes, le circuit est « tout simplement génial ». C’est rapide, enivrant et les pilotes adorent cette atmosphère.
Il y aura deux tours de chauffe le samedi matin afin que les pilotes puissent repérer le parcours. L’après-midi, il y aura une course
individuelle afin de définir l’ordre de passage au départ de la course du dimanche.
La véritable course aura lieu dimanche. Les voitures sont réparties en groupes de 8 ou 10 et sont envoyées sur le circuit pour le
plaisir des pilotes comme des spectateurs. Ce circuit sans merci devrait pousser les pilotes et leurs aptitudes de conduite ainsi que
leurs voitures de course anciennes au maximum. Un spectacle unique ! C’est aussi l’opportunité pour les collectionneurs de mettre
leurs voitures à l’épreuve sur un circuit dans un environnement unique au monde et pour les spectateurs de voir quelques exemples
de voitures anciennes de course évoluant à toute vitesse sur ce circuit de rêve. Un vrai régal pour les yeux !
Le Grand Prix de Mdina prendra fin dimanche soir lors d’une soirée spéciale de remise des prix où les grands gagnants seront
annoncés.
Le programme est sujet à modifications sans avertissement préalable.
KICK OFF YOUR DRIVING SHOES AND
LAY DOWN YOUR HELMET, YOU’VE ARRIVED.
Facing the stately splendour of the Presidential Palace and the Botanical Gardens, the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa
has set the benchmark for luxury hospitality in Malta.
Contact our sales team and savour the experience today.
The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa is proud to sponsor the Mdina Grand Prix 2015
corinthia.com
[email protected]
+356 21 440301
Photo: Stefan Stafrace
Photo: David Axisa
MDINA Grand Prix
Photo: Audrey Camilleri
Photo: Roberto Runza
MDINA Grand Prix
Photo: David Caruana Dingli
Hon. Joe Mizzi MP
Minister for Transport and the
Infrastructure
Hon. Dr. Edward Zammit Lewis MP
Minister for Tourism
Having to write down a second preface is somewhat difficult
when one realizes that the Mdina Grand Prix is a constant
success story. However it gives me an immense satisfaction of
being given this opportunity to comment on last year’s event
which I had to pleasure to participate in my capacity as
Minister for Transport and Infrusture plus being an admirer of
classic cars.
It is an immense pleasure for me to support, once again, the
Mdina Grand Prix now in its consecutive 5th year.
It is always our government and ministry intention to support
and encourage such events when we see the level of
professionalism that is being undertaken. The concourse
d’elegance set up in Mdina is a mixture of heritage and we
as a ministry responsible for transport are pleased when we
see such local heritage pertaining to pristine restored motor
vehicles.
The setting mix of medieval and baroque architecture, its
fortification walls and its location on high ground makes it one
of the most enchanting places on the island and a perfect
setting for this event.
It is also an opportunity of sharing our heritage with the
immense publicity that the event gears up both locally and
abroad adding another annual calendar which attracts both
locals and most important foreigners whilst endorsing the
passion we as a country have towards transportation.
Definitely our commitment as a government to such prestigious
events is an endorsement how together we can achieve with
the Mdina Grand Prix being at the forefront of such motoring
activities.
This classic car event is enticing a number of vintage car
participants mainly from the United Kingdom and Italy to
visit Malta particularly for this magical weekend of classic car
racing in Mdina – the Old Capital City of Malta.
The Concours d’Elegance, held in the main square of the
Medieval city, is simply magnificent - a showcase of splendid
classic car, surely an attraction not to be missed by foreigners
and locals alike.
The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) is committed towards
enhancing the sports tourism product in all its facets. The
Ministry for Tourism is closely working with the MTA to promote
such niche initiatives as we firmly believe in providing quality
added value to our tourists.
In conclusion, allow me to thank the organisers and the
participants of this prestigious sport event and may I take this
opportunity to augur you all an enjoyable Mdina Grand Prix.
Hon. Chris Agius MP
Parliamentary Secretary for
Research, Innovation, Youth
and Sport
I followed last year’s Grand Prix closely, and have also had the
opportunity to be driven around the race track in one of the
oldest cars of the 2014 edition. The race and track are very
exciting, however the Mdina Grand Prix offers much more than
just a race. These races not only highlight the ability of the
drivers but also the love the owners and keepers have for their
vintage cars. These enthusiasts keep them in good condition;
indeed they threat each car as if it were one of the family.
The Mdina Grand Prix has, year after year, attracted a
substantial number of tourists to the island.
Increasing sports tourism is the government’s aim, because
we know our country has great potential to attract foreigners
when programmes, sport facilities and organisations are up
to standard. To achieve better results, Kunsill Malti għallIsport have revised the incentives offered, to enable more
organisations to receive grants and further promote their sport.
This is an open appeal to all organisations, even those run by
volunteers, to invest in good organisation to make the sport
even better.
I am sure this year’s Grand Prix will be another one not to miss.
I wish you all great success.
Malta - The beating heart of the Mediterranean
Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso’s Cave – The Maltese Islands
are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and
villages lead to the main square, which is invariably dominated by
the huge baroque church. As the countryside is dotted with medieval
towers, wayside chapels and the oldest known human structures in the
world, the Islands have rightly
been described as an open-air museum.
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean,
93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. The archipelago consists
of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population
of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square
kilometers.
The arts have always played a large role in Maltese culture
and continue to do so with cultural events occurring
frequently. The National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in an
exuberant Rococo building dating from the 1570’s, exhibits
some magnificent art, ranging from the early Renaissance
to modern times. Both established and budding artists
are encouraged to display their efforts through publiclysupported programs. There is always an exhibition of some
kind running.
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative
centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more
rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture. Comino, the smallest of the
trio, has one hotel and is largely
uninhabited.
With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of
intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.
With 7,000 years of history, the Maltese Islands are steeped in culture and heritage.
This historic legacy, unique in the Mediterranean, is reflected in the country’s national
architecture and collections. There are so many areas of heritage and culture to be
explored – the 16th century masterpiece Grandmasters’ Palace, which is now parliament,
the “Sacra Infermeria”, which is now a fully equipped conference centre, the St. James
Centre for Creativity – a superbly restored fortification where contemporary works of art
are exhibited against the original rough-textured walls and rediscovered spaces. With
these buildings, past and present blend into an enduring and admirable lesson in the art
of living.
VALLETTA GRAND PRIX
FOUNDATION
Theatre and music are also very popular in the Islands. A variety of theatres - including the
Valletta’s Manoel Theatre and two opera houses in Victoria (Gozo) - as well as several
open-air venues offer wide selection of plays, musicals, operas and concerts.
VALLETTA GRAND PRIX
FOUNDATION
Valletta Grand Prix Foundation
302, St. Paul Street,
Valletta VLT1213
MALTA
www.vallettagrandprix.com