Malta GP confirmed until 2008

Local powerboat enthusiasts are guaranteed more thrilling racing on Maltese waters following the announcement that the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) and promoters KBL Powerboat Management Ltd have just finalised a three-year sponsorship deal.

Incorporated within the annual Grand Prix of Malta, which has again been confirmed as the opening round of the UIM World Championship, will be a round-island speed record challenge.

The 2006 races are scheduled to take place between May 12 and 14.

Malta has established itself as one of the most popular venues on the P1 calendar, receiving warm praise from competitors, teams, organisers and the international media.

With the picturesque Grand Harbour providing a unique backdrop, the powerboat events in 2004 and 2005 have helped to nurture a special relationship between Malta and the organisers, thanks also to the wholehearted commitment of the authorities and enthusiastic support from the people.

"We are delighted to have secured this three-year agreement with the Malta Tourism Authority," Martin McDonald, Commercial Director, KBL Powerboat Management Ltd, said in a statement.

"It brings together two innovative-thinking organisations committed to promoting the Maltese islands on the international stage.

Global audience

"For the MTA, this initiative compliments its existing destination marketing programmes and allows Malta to exploit P1's global audience to generate positive media exposure while attracting quality tourism.

"For P1, it reinforces the stature of this spectacular World Championship as a global marketing platform and establishes a long-term partnership from which we shall build the event into one of Europe's foremost sporting occasions."