Ta’ Qali site earmarked for motor racetrack as associations seek details

Report by Stefan Paul Galea

News that the government had identified the location for the development of a new racing track for motor sports received different reactions by the motorsports association, with the Assoċjazzjoni Sports Muturi u Karozzi (ASMK) arguing that the identified site had already been promised to it in 2012.

In comments to TVM, parliamentary secretary Chris Agius confirmed that the government had earmarked an area forming part of the old airport – used during World War II – for the development of a new racetrack.

The project is being referred to as the ‘Malta Motor Recreation and Education Park’.

An expression of interest was first launched in September 2015, but motorsports enthusiasts were left waiting for a decision to be announced after the government decided that the track should be within development zones.

Enthusiasts have long been urging subsequent administrations to cater for their needs.

The next step will be the issuance of a request for proposals.

But as soon as the news emerged, the Assoċjazzjoni Sports Muturi u Karozzi (ASMK) said it was “flabbergasted” by the choice.

“The site referred to had in fact been part of an agreement, including a deed, signed between the government, the MFCC and the ASMK back in 2012,” the ASMK said.

“Unfortunately, lack of promised action by the MFCC meant that the ASMK could not proceed with the project. However, the ASMK is surprised to get to know of this decision, especially since the binding deed had been signed and sealed.”

The ASMK also said that it had verbal communication from Agius that the original project and location would “not be affected” by the new project. In a press statement, Agius said the proposed location was not committed to any other projects and said he failed to understand ASMK's comments when he had communicated directly with the secretary general of the association.

On its part, the Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) said it welcomed the news and that it was “looking forward in assisting further this positive decision”.

“[MMF] is seeking further information about the exact location and area of the land, where it is stated that it will accommodate a Road Safety facility along with a Motorsport circuit. This is imperative as the site must be of adequate size to host this project,” the federation said.