P1 looking to prolong association with Malta

The Valletta Grand Harbour will again host the P1 Malta Grand Prix of the Sea for the fifth successive year as the world's fastest powerboats will battle for honours in the weekend of June 6-8.

Powerboat racing has gained in popularity in Malta with spectators for the three-day series increasing steadily with each edition held.

This year's event is set to be another spectacle of powerful racing with 20 teams split in Supersport and Evolution. They shall compete over Sprint and Endurance courses designed to bring the action closer to the shoreline.

Speaking during the launching of the Grand Prix, Powerboat P1 sales and marketing director Robert Wicks described Malta as one of the success stories of the sport.

"Malta has been living the Powerboat P1 experience ever since the very first race of the championship," Wicks said.

"This island has become a signature destination on our calendar with its fascinating backdrop of the Grand Harbour. Those of us involved in the championship always look forward to visit Malta.

"We want the Grand Prix here to remain on our calendar for many years to come."

2008 marks the end of a three-year deal that saw Malta hosting the P1 Grand Prix. Wicks confirmed that it is the intention of Powerboat Management Limited to keep Malta among the P1 circuits.

"We believe that Malta still has a lot to offer to P1 racing," Wicks said.

"The five-year relationship we had so far was beneficial for both parties. The Maltese waters are excellent and the facilities are second to none.

"On the other hand, the country is reaping its own dividends as well. In a study conducted earlier this year, audit and finance specialists KPMG said that by hosting the 2007 Grand Prix Malta benefited to the tune of two million euros.

"The Grand Prix of the Sea is delivering a tangible, long-term return on investment to this country. With this in mind, I am confident that when contract negotiations start in the coming weeks we will have a positive outcome."

Interest in this year's Malta Grand Prix will increase among the Maltese as the team of Angelo Tedeschi and Aaron Ciantar, Conam Yachts, is currently leading the SuperSport class.

Ciantar, the pilot, will be seeking to make it a memorable homecoming aboard the Chaudron-built boat.

"When I race in Malta there is always a little more pressure than usual," Ciantar said.

"So far, things have gone pretty well for us. We are leading the classification after two races. Winning the Malta GP will be extra special and we'll be doing everything in our power to achieve this target."

The 2008 Malta Grand Prix provides a novelty because races will not be held simultaneously as in previous years.

In fact, the SuperSport race gets underway at 11.30 a.m. and the Evolution race at 4 p.m., on both Saturday and Sunday.