Antonio Briguglio (November 1) makes some interesting points on the recent Grand Prix de Malte.

I would like to start by thanking him for praising the organisation of which I formed part. I am delighted that his only criticism regarded not the running of the race, or the quality of the entry, but the use of the Maltese flag. He suggests that a chequered flag should have been used to start the various races.

Allow me to correct Mr Briguglio by quoting the FIA "yellow book" - the international motor sport bible. This is what it says about start procedure: The start of a race shall be signalled by the waving of the national flag of the host country, or by a system of lights, or by both methods at once. The finish of the race shall be signalled by the waving of the chequered flag. I believe therefore that we did it right. Thierry Giovannoni as promoter and race director waved off the three historic class races, and I, as clerk of the course. was given the honour of waving our young Maltese drivers off with the Maltese flag. I am extremely proud to have been given that honour.

On a final note, I am glad to report that despite the fact that this was our first attempt at such a mammoth event, throughout the whole two days of racing a red flag was never used, an ambulance was never used, no races were ever stopped, and we finished ahead of schedule. A real feather in Malta's cap.