MPA Grand Prix at St Paul's Bay on Sunday

The second Grand Prix of the Malta Powerboats Association season will be held on Sunday at St Paul's Bay. Since the inaugural racing series in March, there has been a strong response resulting in new entries, which rose from 10 to 25 teams, and the introduction of two new classes.

For the next grand prix, the classes are bracketed as follows: Class 5 up to 115hp; Class 4 200hp; Class 3 250hp; Class 2 27ft + 600hp; and Class 1 38ft + unlimited hp.

The association said in a statement that new drivers have had to complete an RYA Powerboat Racing course and pass a subsequent test. Now, all drivers in the championship are qualified as safety is of paramount importance.

John Puddifoot, RYA Powerboat Racing head and a UIM Racing Commissioner, said: "The RYA is delighted to be involved and assisting the MPA in their first year of running a national series. The standard of driving and enthusiasm is very encouraging for the future of powerboat racing in Europe.

"The RYA will continue to send four officials to every race this year to complete the training of Maltese officials enabling them to run the 2009 series on their own."

This weekend's Grand Prix has received the financial backing of various outlets on the Buġibba seafront. Also, the event would not have been possible without the assistance of 12 marshals, all working on a voluntary basis.

Meanwhile, the MPA said that the June and September Grands Prix will be sponsored by Travelex Financial Services Ltd.

The first race on Sunday starts at 11 a.m.