Maltese drivers leave their mark in Sicily

The Maltese flag flew high at Cesaro, Sicily, a few days ago when five Maltese drivers totally dominated the first Cesaro Hillclimb. The 3.2km race attracted over 170 cars and drivers, including current Italian champion Carmelo Scaramozzino with his powerful Breda BMW.

Among the Maltese, David Anastasi was realising a life-long dream on board his immaculate Mini Doda Honda in the Supersalite class. Joining him were four other hopefuls, all looking forward to their first foray abroad.

Matthew Zammit and Joshua Anastasi had heard so many stories from their fathers Alex and Joe respectively, who had raced successfully in Sicily in the past, as 20-year-old Zach Zammit and Steve Zammit Cutajar, 25, looked forward to the experience with added enthusiasm.

All five Maltese competitors were entered by the Malta Motorsport Federation which provided them with international competition licences and technical passports for their cars.

Zach Zammit established the hillclimb record in the first timed run in 118.91 seconds, driving his Jagger/Dunlop Ralt Honda 2000.

He beat Scaramozzino by over four seconds.

Third overall, just two tenths of a second behind, was Joshua Anastasi in his John Bull Racing Kawasaki with Matthew Zammit fifth and Zammit Cutajar seventh.

In the break between runs, Scaramozzino's team worked frantically on the Breda, even fitting a brand new set of slick tyres in a bid to win the hillclimb. But their effort was not enough.

Zach didn't lower his time but Joshua did and since Scaramozzino also didn't improve this meant that Joshua went on to claim second place.

Matthew retained his class win and fifth overall with Zammit Cutajar second in class and seventh overall. David, too, won his class in the Cesaro Hillclimb.

It was truly a memorable day for Maltese motorsport. At the presentation ceremony, in the village square, the town mayor asked the Maltese guests to drive their racing cars through the streets of Cesaro to a standing ovation by the crowd present.

The mayor then went on to present trophies to all competitors and it was a moment to be proud of when the top 10 were called up for their awards, four of whom, including the top two, being Maltese.