Chris Agius to motor clubs: Beware public outcry once racetrack site is revealed

The site location being proposed for the possible development of a motorsport racetrack of international standards will be announced shortly, according to parliamentary secretary for sport Chris Agius.

He announced this during a press conference organised by the Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) and in which race officials and marshalls who had successfully completed training courses earlier this year were recognised.

Agius said that the government would soon be announcing where the motor-racing, recreational and educational park should be developed, and called on all motor clubs to back the MMF and not turn the issue into a political game.

“This is not the time to start organising splinter groups within the MMF, nor should anyone hinder and obstruct this important step in the development of this sport,” he said in a clear warning of the outcry that is expected to arise against the development.

Agius said that he, like everyone else, loved the environment but it was important for people to understand that there was a need for this sport to continue developing safely and professionally.

He encouraged the federation and the clubs to act as one, as it would be easy for project opponents to divide and rule if they realised their was internal strife amongst motorsport clubs and enthusiasts.

“Then we will continue the process so that – one day – we will have a track that is up to international standards,” the parliamentary secretary said.

David Agius, opposition spokesman for sport, said that clubs should try and find better ways to reach out to the public, not only to get higher attendance at events but also to garner greater interests in the various kinds of motor sports.

Tonio Cini, president of the MMF, said that the federation had been working hard with the affiliated clubs since 2014 to strengthen the best practices of the sport.

“The training courses attended further enhanced the importance of being more professional in our organisations, although we must also appreciate that all committees are run by volunteers,” he said.

Some of the club representatives, marshalls and race officials

William England, MMF’s treasurer, said that the training held was possible due to funds made available by FIA and SportMalta, in collaboration with MSA UK and ACI Sport in Italy.

After the press conference, 22 safety officials and 25 marshalls were presented their certificates for completion of the courses, organised by the MMF and the Island Car Club respectively.