Video: Valletta GP starts, Jag crashes, Rolls spins

silvio demicoli

May 14th 2010, 22:37

Christ ma soqtx is sena l ohra ghax waqaft nofs triq bl Porsche, imma ghat tip ta' toroq ghandek ragun.

christopher sammut

May 14th 2010, 16:28

NIXTIEQ LI DAN LILMENT JASAL GHANT MIN HU RESPONSABLI ,JIENA MA HADT SEHEM FIT TIGRIJA TAL VALLETTA GRAND PRIX TAS SENA L-OHRA, U DIN IS-SENA MA HADTX SEHEM GHALIEX IT TARMAC GHADU MA SARX .IT -TRIQ TRID ISUQ FIJA BIEX TKUN TAF KEMM HI PERIKOLUZA TIZLOQ IKTAR MILLI KIEKU ISSIB ID- DIESEL ,MA NINSEWX LI F DIK IT TRIQ MIETU NIES MINHABBA IT TRIQ HAZINA LI HEMM U MT MALTA GHADA MA TALMITX SKIEDJA XI PULIZJA TA TRAFFIC UKOLL F'DIK IT TRIQ KIF JAJDU NIES , IZDA XORTA GHADNA MA TALIMNIEX, U JAQBADNI DAHK META NISMA LIL MINISTRU RESPONSABLI JAJT LI IRIDU IT TURISTI JIEGU MALTA , GHADNA IT TEMP U L VOLUNTIERA LI JARMU L FLUS BIEX IPAXXU LIL HADDIEHOR BIL PJACIR MHUX BIZEJJED GHAT TURIST , NIXTIEQ LI MHUX DIBATITI BISS ISIRU U PAROLI FIL VOJT LI IRIDU IT TURISTI MALTA IZDA FATTI LI XI DARBA NIBDEW NAHDMU TA VERA JEKK IRIDU IL PAJJIZ JIEGI POSTU . CHRIS SAMMUT

J.Pizzuto

May 12th 2010, 09:03

Nixtieq nghid prosit lil Valletta grandprix. U hassra li dik il-jaguar habtet. NIspera li nergaw narawha itellaq is sena d dihla

Shirley Sammut

May 10th 2010, 23:48

Some of you people are so self-absorbed that none of you even gave a thought to the driver - he could have been seriously hurt or worse...& if you're thinking he asked for it by competing, i can tell you that he has been racing with various cars for years so it wasn't because he didn't know what he was doing. In fact he continued racing even after what happened...it was purely bad luck but thankfully he's ok, even though most of you don't really care

I'm sure there could have been a slight bit of inconvenience to the residents but cars were being allowed to drive out in between races - why do we always have to make so much fuss??

I think the traffic was managed very well & we found parking next to Sarria on Sunday morning within a couple of minutes of arriving - it's only a few minutes walk from there...are you so lazy that you cannot manage that??

This is a yearly event which attracts foreigners & gives local enthusiasts an opportunity to view some beautiful cars...get out of your little bubble & broaden your horizons, people!!!

Joseph Borg

May 10th 2010, 11:06

I like racing cars and we do not seen such events very often localy. But yesterday it was Mothers day too and I booked a table in a restaurnat in Valletta. We went by bus which stopped us a St Anne Street. The problem was that it was impossible to cross. We first tried over the bridge near the Phoenica Hotel. It took more than half an hour and we did not manage to cross. (There wewe too many people to cross) The procedure was very slow. The we walked back to the War monument. Also there we were no allowed to cross. After about another half an hour we crossed and one of the securities tried to stop us. ( No cars were passing at the time). I told him that I did not go to Valletta to watch the event and so no one had the right to stop me. Next time it should be organized better and build more bridges not just one.

Dunstan Camilleri

May 9th 2010, 23:35

Lets face it it's an anualy event and it's there to stay as long we want it too, well there events which ocur every weekend bicyle races coast closed for 3 hours trailthon also roads (main) roads closed, events occured by the local council roads also closed.Ghalura dawn qedin taraw zejda sinjuri nies bhall dawn qedin naghmlu sagrifcju in-nhalsu balla flus fill insurance u licenzji u parts u mechanic panel beaters u qedin inzomu l-istorja tal vetturi kalasici hajja.u din darba fis-sena ta.Jekk ma jogbok imxi nqara Guz okay Poplu infised.

G Deguara

May 9th 2010, 20:42

LOL ... ir-Rolls Royce daret MINNHABBA L-GVERN u l-Jaguar infaghet MINHABBA L-GVERN !! Haahhhahahaaaaaaaa ..... u jien ilwejt sieqi dalghodu tafu ghaliex hux?? TORT TAL-GVERN !! hahhahahaha u kont se ninsa ... gidmitni nemusa wkoll TORT TAL-GVERN ! :-) ;-)

Dorianne Apap

May 9th 2010, 20:11

Ghaziz Sur John Micallef,
Ma nahsibx li huwa sew,li biex ikun hawn avviniment bhal dan nigu imkecijin min xoghlna.
Isibu post ahjar u ma jtelfux xoghol ta haddiehor.
Grazzi

D Bonello

May 9th 2010, 17:59

So sorry for the owner of this very well kept 1950's C-type Jaguar. I imagine that it is a collector’s item. Hope that he finds all the necessary spare for this beauty!!

To my view he either kept the throttle open and hence couldn’t control the car or something from the chassis components failed i.e. the suspension or steering failed.

Luckily the driver did not got hurt.

Michael Neville Cassar

May 9th 2010, 16:19

I am one of the first to complain against this because for the pleasure of a few, I have to be bottled up in Valletta. To those who like to do things such as this sporting event the fact that all the residence in Valletta are bottled up is enough to make one realise how stupid and ridiculous the situation is, had there been an accident with two of the major bastion outlets closed not one of us have the chance to get out of Valletta. Just because this event takes place others have their priority too life those not stop for the residence to please others on this tiny island.

Joe Fenech

May 9th 2010, 14:11

Any racing driver should have a high speed licence. No one should be allowed to race without the necessary training and licence.

Frank Malli

May 9th 2010, 12:52

What a shame in this country!! People are always complaining!!! people complaining about parking, there are still plenty of car parks open, the only car parks closed are the one next to the education department and half of the one in front of the Phoenicia, also don't forget there's the Park and Ride! Valletta is still accessible through the road leading to Castille Palace! so people not going to restaurants for their Mother's day lunch are just cause they're lazy! the only thing to complain about here is the state of the roads! which can kill people we already know about the various accidents that happen in this road and nothing gets done!

m camilleri

May 9th 2010, 11:43

maltese always gamgam lol

dorianne bugeja

May 9th 2010, 11:17

They have closed the road for this event. and me having a business there caused me
a full day nil income. But yet, being a small selfemployed still has to pay what is due
to the government even though I didnt earn anything. That is such justice

Winston Baldacchino

May 9th 2010, 10:34

And you know why these incidents happened? Because the tarmac is not good. Look at the video, it looks like you're driving on a mirror! I can't believe we're in 2010 and we still have that kind of tarmac! It is dangerous. It has to be re-done. Poor Jag owner! God knows how much money that car costs nowadays.

Karl Consiglio

May 9th 2010, 10:26

Oh God, its that road again. That tarmac has absolutely no grip.

John Micallef

May 9th 2010, 09:30

Kull meta jissemmew il-karrozzi, specjalment it-tlielaq tal-karrozzi, kulhadd isir espert tat toroq u tas-sewqan.

Avveniment bhal dan, imbaghad, ghal ftit ma tismghax min jghid li gew miksura id-drittijiet fondamentali....ghax ma setghax jidhol il belt, immissja xi lezzjoni, ma ramghawx tal-monti...

Min jibza' mill-periklu, mistieden jibqa' d-dar. Anzi, jista' ma johrog qatt, ghax it-toroq taghna kuljum perokoluzi.

Mur gib dawn in-nies kienu joghqodu Monte Carlo!!!! Jew qrib xi Race Track tal-Formula 1.

Naf li mhux kulhadd japprezza l-karozzi, imma ghandna avveniment bhal dan fejn hafna entuzjasti tal karrozzi jistghu igawdu din in-namra u ghandna cans nigbdu ftit attenzjoni gusta lejn pajjizna, u kulhadd jitkellem ghax gie mirfus xi kallu insignifikanti.

Jinghalqu t-toroq biex jigu celebrati festi u okkazjonijoet ta' futball u x'naf jien, u attivita fuq livell internazzjonali hawn min jaraha zejda.

Kunu afu illi l-organizzaturi hasbu ghal kollox. Hemm involuti nies minn clubs ohra li jorganizzaw tlielaq regolarment (hill climbs, etc, ghal min qed jghix fuq il-qamar) u hemm hafna esperjenza fiha il-bicca. Incidenti jigru, huma parti mill-isport. id-differenza hi li hawn, in-nies jafu x'inhuma jaghmlu, u mhux bhal meta jkollok sakranazzi jew nies taht l-effett ffett tad-droga jsuqu. Nawguralkom gurnata sabiha.

Victor Rodenas

May 9th 2010, 08:56

open top sports cars must have a roll bar during races,at least.If it overturnes there is no protection for the driver ,he can very easily break his neck.No roll bar....no race

Kevin O'neill

May 9th 2010, 08:51

I feel that a balance needs to be found. I understand the value of something like this being organised. I personally do not care for cars but understand there are a lot of enthusists and such an event has the potential to attract tourists but the organisation and logistics have to be flawless. The traffic direction in Valletta was a shambles and chaotic to say the least. These events need to be organised professionally from A to Z.

Manuel Zahra

May 9th 2010, 08:36

Good morning all.
First of all i would like to congratulate the organizers for this GP.
Secoundly i would like to tell all the GRUMPLING NEGATIVE people that in other cities namly MONTE CARLO the roads in this municipality are closed for 7 days on race week and the people dont complain. In Valletta we close the roads for 2 days and it is the end of the world.

I was amazed that on 1 news all they got about the event was just people grumpling about it. A really nice way to attract tourisim.

Insomma Good Luck for today to all the drivers.

nevise said

May 9th 2010, 08:06

its so disappointing to see that everytime anyone tries to do something different everyone has to grumble and complain. we say we want to attract more tourist to our island and yet when something like the Valletta Grand Prix ( please note its called VALLETTA not ta'Qali, maghtab or anything else) is organised all we can think about is how it disrupted our plans for two of days!!!! in montecarlo the roads are closed for a whole week but the locals know how important it is for their tourist industry. as for the accident at first it put a bit of a damper on the activity but all was back to normal when the there was confirmation that the diver was not hurt in anyway, the car could be repaired and back on the streets and that the same driver was soon back taking part with another car. thats what i think is called really being a great sportsman!!! i would also like to point out that there were far worse accidents that happened on official race tracks.

J Cutajar

May 9th 2010, 06:45

I am not a car enthusiast but why on earth everything that happens in Malta has to have people grumbling about this and that. Get a life ! Aren't the streets closed for Carnival, festas, notte bianca etc. Isn't traffic slow every morning and worse on other national events. I can understand the concerns of Valletta residents but that is the price to pay for living in our beautiful capital city. Keep in mind that Marsa residents endure powerstation 365 days, B'Buga residents endure freeport, fuel depot and gas depot 365 days, M'Xlokk residents the other powerstation, floriana residents endure meetings and other national events. At least Valletta residents can count on the value of their property while other can't ! I am thrilled that since April an event was organised every weekend making our country a true holiday destination and giving us residents the opportunity to enjoy these events with our families. As for the accident, poor car and owner but it's just an accident, even an irxoxt once fell ! Was it because of the roads ? No accidents do happen.

R.Sciberras

May 9th 2010, 01:47

Filwaqt li attivitajiet bhal dawn tajjeb li jsiru, nahseb li zgur li r-ring road ta' madwar il-Belt mhix il-post adattat ghal dan it-tip ta' sport. Illejla s-Sibt kien dizgustanti ghall-ahhar il-mod kif tmexxa t-traffiku fil-Belt. 3 ufficjali ta' Transport Malta jiddevjaw it-traffiku lejn Sarria l-Furjana u l-ebda Pulizija fil-Belt hlief fl-10.30pm hdejn l-MCC. Bil-konfuzjoni li kien hemm, ammont sostanzjali ta' nies li xtraw biljett biex jattendu kuncert tal-Orkestra Nazzjonali fl-MCC spiccaw waslu tard. Parkegg impossibli, vetturi jghaddu one-way, prattikament kull hrug mill-Belt imbarrat bil-blokki tal-konkos. Evidenti n-nuqqas ta' ippjanar fl-immanigjar tat-traffiku. In-nies prezenti ghall-kuncert inghataw struzzjonijiet mill-prezentatur biex malli jispicca l-kuncert kellhom biss nofs siegha biex ifittxu johrogu l-vetturi taghhom mir-ring road, il-bqija jibqghu maqbuda sal-ghada! Gheziez organizzaturi...sibu post iehor aktar dicenti s-sena d-diehla

Dorianne Apap

May 8th 2010, 23:47

Ara veru pajjiz tad dahk basta nidru.Ghal kapricc ta erba sinjuri li gew itellqu dawn il karozzi il hadd il monti ma setax jintrama li huwa l ghixien ta il fuq min 400 ruh.Il hadd ukoll jahbat mothers day u is sidien ta hafna restoranti fil belt ha jkollom jiehdu pacenzja ghax hadd ma jista jidhol il belt.Dawn m humiex posthom got toroq tal belt.Hafna min dawn is sidien tal karozzi m huma sewwieqa tat tlielaq xejn u m ghandomx ideja kif ghadna kif rajna tajjeb fil filmat.Apparti li huma ta hsara ghat toroq u sogru ghan nies li ser jarawhom.Iktar ma l awtoritajiet jippruvaw iqajjmu il belt iktar qed ikissruha ghax m hemmx idejat.ARUKAZA kif kellna inbaxxu rasna ghad delizzju ta haddiehor

Maria Falzon

May 8th 2010, 22:49

What a shame!

J.Grech

May 8th 2010, 21:58

To all you bunch of Trolls (for those who dont know what an internet 'troll' is, google it, if you know how)......... Please note that crashing and danger is part of motor racing, we really had a great time today and I hope that they would do the Grand Prix every year......min ried jidhol il-belt, juza l-park and ride u jimxu ftit, jaghmlilkom tajjeb naqra ezercizzju, specjalment jekk tqattghu hafna hin quddiem il computer tgergru u twaqqghu lin-nies 'down' bil-kummenti mgemgmin taghkom......ma tafux xi dwejjaq fikom! TROLLS!

DORIANNE APAP

May 8th 2010, 20:53

Ara veru biex nidru tajbin ahna.Ghax hawn erba sinjuri b dawn il karozzi antiki ghalaqna it toroq tal belt.Il hadd ma thallix jarma il monti li hu l ghejxien ta il fuq min 400 bejjiegh u il hadd ukoll huwa mothers day u ir restaurants tellfulghom gurnata xoghol tajba ghax hadd ma jista jidhol il belt.X kapricc ghal erba sewwieqa li m huma sewwieqa tat tlielaq xejn.It tlielaq hal far jew ta qali posthom.IL monti jigbed hafna iktar nies min dal purcinellati u hsara fit toroq......issa saru perikoluzi ukoll kif rajna fil clip....X MISTHIJA

Stephen Borg Cardona

May 8th 2010, 20:44

As long as the big building contractors keep on funding the two main political parties we are not going to get decent roads !

Ronald Debattista

May 8th 2010, 20:33

I don't think that publishing this accident makes sense at all considering all the world can see this.After all this has nothing to do with normal road accidents.The guy was only participating in an event that unfortanetly only happens once a year in MALTA,thankyou to the organisers and especially THE VALLETTA COUNCIL.It looks as if the accident was a big deal to just publish after only a few minutes it happened.ONLY in MALTA.......I Don't know the guy involved but luckily he escaped without injuries thank God.A big thanks to the organisers and participants for a well organised event.....Maybe one fine day we, all motorsport followers don't have to cross over to Sicily everytime to take part in an event happening in a proper CIRCUIT....We pay taxes too so we deserve somewhere to race our cars rather than exercising our sport in our roads....

Michael Tanti

May 8th 2010, 20:26

fir all the people who say this is bad for Malta and bad for Valletta.

you sir are a Moron, How is this a shame to Valletta residents, Iam one and have family here from out of the country and they love the fact that we do this. Hell with out a proper race track this is the closest thing we get to proper racing. And for those who say we should only race in Hal-far thats not racing thats waiting for a light to go green and see how fast you can go in a straight line.... Maybe if we fixxed a proper race track here you wouldnt have to deal with it. But this GOVT is so ass backwards it will never happen. Maybe even build a track big enough to host motogp or even F1 heck they can do it in Monaco but not here.. But nooooo Some one would complain about the fact that it would start plenty of jobs & bring people from abroad to use the track. until then i will spend all Money in Italy

A. Brincat

May 8th 2010, 20:20

First you cannot race a sports care, of whichever the type, on a public road. Worse still you cannot race these cars on a road made of glass. At least it was not raining.

Anyway, good luck to the motorsport enthusiasts tomorrow. They deserve this and more.

Frank Mallia

May 8th 2010, 20:16

I think the Valletta GP is a good idea, problems are organisation needs a bit more refining and the roads need proper tarmac!! This events attracts lots of tourists and is a good advert for Valletta it also brings more people to Valletta rather than leaving it just as a shopping center, unfortunately people are always complaining in this country! the Valletta GP has been advertised for quite a while now and I work in an area very much affected by the GP, I knew about it so planned ahead to leave early for work and the route to take! as someone said roads all over the country are closed for feasts which I find to be nothing more than competition of band clubs and fireworks! rather than what feasts are supposed to be! but still they attracts tourist so let them be! as long as it brings good to the country!

Charles DeMicoli

May 8th 2010, 19:57

Car crashes DO happen, no matter where they're racing. I don't get all the negative comments.

Ivan Zammit

May 8th 2010, 19:53

It is a once a year event. and in many eu cities these races are organised annually. If we want to be called an EU country. Well I have a suggestion for not racing in Valletta.
Why don't the government and authorities give the go ahead to build a racetrack in Malta. Finally!!!
Not only there will not be any races in Valletta, but people can enjoy racing in a track instead on the roads and we can also organise international events.
Why not???????

Gordon Pace

May 8th 2010, 19:39

Qed teqirdu ghax inalqet il belt ghal ftit hin biex tigi organizzata event ghall kulhadd u ghall min ghandu ghal qalbu il karozzi.

Ara vera Maltin basta nilhqu salib haddiehor, nikumentaw fuq kollox qisu kulhadd sar professur u jifhem fuq kollox ghax jaf jaghfas erba buttuni.

Ma ninbidlu qatt u hekk imuttu cwiec.

Denis A. Darmanin

May 8th 2010, 19:38

J Cassar - Maybe the race should be held at some other residential and commercial town in Malta. But then according to some, such a race in our roads will up-grade our mentality and culture. Why not bring dragsters doing the quatrer-mile in Rebublic Street and Dodge 'em cars in St. George's Square, their location and size is ideal!

C M Cassar - At least you were mature enough to remember the residents. Thanks. It seems that we're the ones who always suffer whever and whatever. We're supposed to be tough and can take it.

Classic Car racing is a grand sport but not in Valletta and at residents' and businesses' expense. Do you think that Valletta will be crowded with commerce because of the event? Just ask the Valletta restaurants how fully booked they are for tomorrow (Mother's Day) or those who live around and by the ring road how their nerves are on edge. Just think of what it's going to be like to go to the Addolorata Cemetery and back!

J Galea

May 8th 2010, 19:37

Wouldn't the organisers think it a good idea to ensure a decent surface for these cars racing around the city? What about assessment of risks to pedestrians?

Matthew Scerri

May 8th 2010, 19:25

to those complaining: deal with it. like I do.

I didn't complain when half the roads were closed in anticipation for (what in my opinion is) an idiot from the Vatican. they closed the roads all over malta for repairs as well. I was also unable to get out of my home easily till he took his time to board the ferry. some people have a hobby called religion, others have a hobby called motorsport. In hindisght, i should have moaned about it.

sewwa, its okay to close down main roads to hold mass meetings so that we hear our idol talk or to hold celebrations for winning the local football championship (mur gibna nibrhu champions league) but when its something that doesnt interest us, we moan. Viva Malta u il-Maltin!

for what its worth, the same roads were closed a week ago for the fireworks festival too... and dont tell me the festa doesnt close down a whole town for a week f'gieh listra.

Well done to the organisers from VGP foundation and MMF for trying to help push forward a sport we're actually good at.

Anthony Vella

May 8th 2010, 19:07

MALTESE GEMGEM

OLIVIA SAID

May 8th 2010, 18:57

unfortunately the C type will need some work done to it in the coming months.......howvever everyone is back home safe and sound after a great day!!! for all of u who complained about blocking Valletta u have a right to complain however just for your info all major classic car rallies and races are held in capital cities around d world...montecarlo is just one....maybe we need better organisation but i guess no one is born an expert so experience will help us make this event more successful. we block major roads for feast processions, marathons,horse racing and a million other things....if we cancelled all these events just because of some inconvenience then Malta would be the most boring place on earth and no one will be able to enjoy his hobby whatever it is!!!! what we surely need here are better roads for the Grand prix and mostly for everyday driving.....accidents happen all d time with or without speed cameras and its not only due to speed but mainly due to d state of our roads and ignorant drivers...... will c u all car enthusiasts tomorrow and at all future Valletta Grand Prix!!!!

Anthony Debono

May 8th 2010, 18:52

I suggest that the organisers need to contact the Montecarlo race organisers on how to transform a street into a street (race) circuit, with all amenities including SAFETY mechanisms!!

What baffles me is the fact that the race participants accepted such lack of safety mechanisms and actually took part! So I also put the blame on them.

I concur with what Mr Noel Tonna stated. What kind of marshals were there? Some stairing, others using their mobile. Incredible! What was the man waving the red flags doing next to the Jag? There should have been one down the road prior to the bend!! And since when do cameramen run on the circuit when there's a crash? (Ah! real-time coverage maybe!)

It's all amateurish. Pity.

Jamie Sammut

May 8th 2010, 18:38

I thank all the organizers for the hard work they did today . why don t we all say that motorsport is one of the least respected sports in Malta ,

We really need a race track !!

jeremy cassar

May 8th 2010, 18:26

as someone else said.... we close so many roads for feasts, processions etc... whats the big deal with closing vlta roads for such a beautifull international event like this.. some of you say why not make such an event in hal far or ta qali???? Do you really think that such an event with such prestigious and beautifull classic and rare cars would look better in hal far or ta qali, rather in vlta , that happens to be one of the nicest and rustic cities around.. i think it is a job well done and a special thumbs up to all the organizers and participants and especially to the Island Car Club (hillclimb organizers) for being a big part of the running of the event. keep it up

C M Cassar

May 8th 2010, 18:14

This weekend is a shame for all Valleta residents!! It seems that Valletta has been turned back to the Cold War period, when crossing from one frontier to another was only allowed at specific intervals. Buses have even been moved to Floriana, so please imagine the elderly walking all the way out there!!
It seems that the Organizers want to change Valletta into the Silent City- with the only difference of hearing Vrum and sudden breaking! The idea of the event is lovely but Valletta is not the ideal place for it- we are not Monte Carlo!! The roads are a shame for the city and last minute patching of tarmac is not going to cause no good for the racing cars.
Tomorrow we will be celebrating Mother's Day but just a small note to the population- that residents will be forced again to stick to particular times and no visitor (except family visits) are allowed without an issued permit!! What a lovely Sunday!!

Justin Mifsud

May 8th 2010, 18:11

That road is one of the most slippery! There's no difference between a mirror and that road! You can see the reflection of the marshalls. Build a race track for god's sake!

D. Farrugia

May 8th 2010, 18:08

The video clip could not have had a better background music!! I almost laughed myself to bits!

Tanya Aquilina

May 8th 2010, 17:51

Reply to Mr.Joe Fenech re processions:
Your comments clearly show that you never go to see processions - especially the ones in Valletta where access to/from Valletta are never closed during any procession and only a couple of streets are closed for a very limited time and often in a pedestrianised zone.

E Vella

May 8th 2010, 17:07

I do not mind having such races. let the motor sports lovers enjoy it guys... and stop grumbling.

one thing i want to highlight is: not all owners of sports cars can be racers!!! i may afford a Rolls Royce or perhaps a Jaguar; but that does not mean i am good enough to race with it. Owning a race car and driving the race car in a Gran Prix are two totally different things. I am sure most of you understand what i mean.

G Pace

May 8th 2010, 16:49

.. u bhas soltu jitfaccaw dawk li jwahhlu fil-Gvern u dawk li jappellaw biex ma jsir xejn.

Min qed jappella li ma jsir xejn u simili nissugerilu jixtri bozza mdaqqsa u jidhol fiha biex zgur ma jigrilu xejn. Ara taqa int u diehel.

Dawk li qed iwahhlu fil-Gvern - tant drajtu tmaqdru kollox li ma ghadkomx taraw xejn sabih. Jiddispjacini.

Prosit lill-organizzaturi. U nittama li ma jwegga hadd, ghalkemm kulhadd jaf ghal xiex dahal

Noel Tonna

May 8th 2010, 16:43

A race track even when it is a normal road does not have light poles planted at the base of the pavement. Seriously safety must be the first concern. One can see how serious this is! The marshall is in the middle of the road waving a flag with people looking at the car! Has anyone seen this thing before on TV in other countries. If we cannot be professional about it then don't do it at all. It may cost a life one day.
And what is that guy doing running behind the car in the middle of the road? Is he racing too?
Lets not make people laugh at us! Stop this ignorance and let's start being professional.

Joe Fenech

May 8th 2010, 16:04

So we close every road on Malta for some catholic procession but not for a historical car rally!! CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

alexander barbara

May 8th 2010, 15:28

slippery roads, like everywhere in Malta. Malta roads are best for ice skating without the need of ice and of course off roading. NOTHING ELSE

adrian agius

May 8th 2010, 15:20

How disgusting !!!

Malta's roads are not suitable for car races. And who was that crazy being who was trying to race a Rolls Royce????/

Matthew Aquilina

May 8th 2010, 15:14

Did any one else notice the dangling light above the car at 0.38 sec? Viva Il-Gvern!!!

Matthew Azzopardi

May 8th 2010, 15:09

its a shame for the jaguar.....but its not for the owner and the authorities! shame on you! 1 and a half hours to get to valletta this morning! organizazzjoni tal biki! kullhadd minghalik li jaf jorganizza! shame on you all!

J. Camilleri

May 8th 2010, 14:53

oh my god! unlucky Black Jaguar!

what about a race track at Maghtab.

Jonathan McBee

May 8th 2010, 14:47

I am sorry for the drivers involved in these accidents, especially the Jaguar owner. The hassle created to so many people who had to be in Valletta today, alone, would have shown that this event was more suitable for Ta' Qali, not the capital city, and these incidents highlight that.

I haven't seen so many people ticked off all at once in a long time, and with all the reasons in the world. The heavy flow of people into and out of Valletta (as one other person commented, did the (dis)organizers not think that people have ERRANDS to run in Valletta on Saturdays?) was made to progress slowly towards a new venue, and sorry, but St Anne Street is not where you put all the buses. There had to be policemen to manage the cars and pedestrians to make sure that no one got hurt, because with St Anne being a straight street, you had lots of people crossing it all the time to find their desired bus. (Continues)

Denis A. Darmanin

May 8th 2010, 14:44

Nice to have a race. Do it in Valletta! They're used to having to move their cars for every Tom, Dick and Harry, or restricted entering and exiting because of Big Wigs doings..... Who cares about the elderly or the dreadfull revving of car engines or if Joe has just come back from his morning shift and wants to sleep or little children to rest! And the losses by businesses, especially Mother's Day lunches at Valletta restaurants. Who cares! Were are the catering unions and those who preach that we must bring back Valletta to life? Just when we were picking up ends after the recession, you bring the Monza and Motecarlo races to Valletta. But the air display is dangerous and the powerboats are not for the harbour, yet racing cars are! I have nothing against car racing as its a much followed sport, but not in Valletta and to the detriment of the residents, businesses and all. Not a word of protest or in favour of the residents by any of the Lap Dogs!!!!!!!!!

Tanya Aquilina

May 8th 2010, 14:43

The mayor and all those involved in organising this event should officially apologise to the Valletta residents for the inconvenience this event has caused. We are "besieged" in our home town, unable to use our cars and our relatives are unable to visit especially tomorrow Sunday - Mothers' Day. We have been unable to move our cars since yesterday Friday afternoon. Shame on you all. We received a circular on the 4th of May informing us of the resrictions we will have to endure, without apologising for the inconvenience. In case any relative wanted to visit on Sunday, we had to submit a copy of the log book and the deadline was the next day - as if I have a copy of my sister's log book. Attaparsi ghamlu xi haga...

Paul Borg

May 8th 2010, 14:22

The valletta grand prix race is organised by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Sport and Culture.

L. Calleja

May 8th 2010, 14:09

It is true that the traffic was a bit slower than normal but it was all under control. The Malta Transport officers, Marshals, and police officers are doing a great job. Pity that Maltese people are so negative and boring. All they know is how to complain.

G Falzon

May 8th 2010, 13:43

Disgusting the way tarffic to Valletta was handled! We are still a pitiful country!

Raymond Cutajar

May 8th 2010, 13:38

For a time let us exclude this incident
That stretch of strip is supposed to be called ---A ROAD !!!!do you ? whoever is responsabile with such tasks of ensuring safe roads , are able to drive?? I presume you do and urge you to use this stretch under different conditions and while you are at it try a pass with a " trailer" of max weight the car can handle on tow, going down and not up this death trap
One really wonder how come a culture of sueing has been very late in being the norm !
To conclude, the lenght of time this stretch has been left to deteriorate can only be described as utter irrisponsability .from all concerned

Ashley Cumbo

May 8th 2010, 13:32

What a sad loss!!

Ruben Gatt

May 8th 2010, 13:17

Don't blame the sport...that is just plain stupid....I blame those who had the brilliant idea of organizing such an event on SATURDAY morning at Valletta....either somewhere else or at least Sunday Morning....does the word "errands" ring a bell to the organizers...

As for the crash...its part of the sport, i feel for the owner of the car but i think he took in consideration crashing when he started this sports...

M.Bisazza

May 8th 2010, 13:08

Resurfing such busy roads for racing to get a better grip is useless. Roads which are used regularly will always end up slippery after some time, as tires from passing cars will leave a trace of rubber on them.
If anyone wants a proof of this, just drive along to Naxxar square. The whole square was once laid with small red slabs which had (at the time of laying) a remarkable grip. Go and see these now. You will probably be unable to recognise the slabs from the rest of the road, as they have all been covered with a thick layer of rubber from passing cars.
Regular resurfacing of busy roads is important, but to use such roads for racing is according to me very stupid and dangerous.
It is good that no one was hurt, and I hope the Jaguar can be fixed.

Daniela Farrugia

May 8th 2010, 13:04

Hi uncle, I m v sorry to hear about the crash. I know how much you had been looking forward to the races. But Thank God, u weren't hurt. Take care.

J Farrugia

May 8th 2010, 12:59

issa kumment generali. meta rajt it0-tgerfix li sar mill-pulizija mill-artorita tat-trasport u minn kull min kien involut u dd=dhahen kbar tal-vetturi tal-linja, nahseb li dan il-GRAN PRIX ahjar ma jsir xejn. mhux postu f'Malta almenu fit=toroq centrali tal-belt zgur li mhux postu.

S. Calleja

May 8th 2010, 12:58

Was this actually a race?

I don't know about you, but if I owned a 1950s C- type Jaguar, I definitely wouldn't have gone racing it, especially on roads used for normal traffic. Such a model is too much of a beauty to risk damaging it due to a simple misjudgement. Finding parts to fix it is going to be a nightmare, and it will never be the same again.

M. A. Camilleri

May 8th 2010, 12:57

Maltese roads are not good enough for ordinary cars, let alone for sportscars.

James Aquilina

May 8th 2010, 12:55

Again proof that our roads are dangerous!!!!!!
That road especially!!!!!!!!

I pity the car though!!!!!!

Daniela Farrugia

May 8th 2010, 12:55

Hi uncle, I am sorry to hear about your crash. I know how much you had been looking forward to the races. Thank God, u didn't get hurt.

Steve Demicoli

May 8th 2010, 12:50

I pity such a prestigious classic car in such an incident (wouldn't want to be in the owner's shoes at this moment). The road surface on that part of the ring road is horribly slippery (once I almost had a motorcycle accident owing to the low grip on that same patch).

Personally, I like motorsport and agree with promoting Malta as a tourism destination, including motorsport tourism. Maybe one should look with a more careful eye at the safety of such events and if it is lacking in any way, take adequate steps to improve it. Motorsport is as safe as the quality of safety standards employed. It makes lore sense to use this incident as an opportunity to improve safety standards than just criticize motorsport outright. Those who don't like motorsport should at least appreciate the role of this event in promoting our country.

R. Caruana

May 8th 2010, 12:44

The asphalt is not suited for those speeds especially at corners and at highspeed straight lines.

Even the photo shows clearly the shiny surface of the road, practically a mirror. I pity the Jag, more so its owner! However, whoever runs on such surfaces would be asking for it.

Etienne Bonanno

May 8th 2010, 12:39

Closing down heavily used roads and inconveniencing commuters for frivolous purposes is preposterous. Yesterday I had to miss an evening lesson because I couldn't park. Thank you to the organisers and the muppets who allowed them to stage such a farce.

jfarrugia

May 8th 2010, 12:39

It's was time that in that part of the road there will be accident you can see the tarmac polished no grip at all. Even normal cars in that road do not grip I commented lasted year here and on you tube videos that there will be accidents. but as usall comments here fall to deaf ears. But pitty for that classic car. Hope driver is ok.

m vella

May 8th 2010, 12:38

First of all thank God no one got hurt. But let this be a lesson to all involved. This time it was an electricity pole, next time it could be passers-bye and/or any third party at the wrong spot at the wrong time. I hope that authorities and participants are aware that normally motor insurers of road vehicles EXCLUDES liability to others arising out of accidents caused by motor vehicles while taking part in races. So i hope organizers have proper third party insurance cover including that for damages and or injuries caused by one participant to another, besides cover to third parties not invoved in any way with the races.
Let it not be too late when accidents happen.

Jesmond Farrugia

May 8th 2010, 12:29

What a load of crap!

So, using your logic, every time there is a crash during F1 races all races should be banned?

Racing is a dangerous sport, this is part of the allure.

jeremy cassar

May 8th 2010, 12:21

i think the grand prix de malte is a very good idea for motor sport and Malta exposure. Unfortunately,like in every sport competition accidents happen . I am sure the owner of this GEM will re build it better , faster and stronger because i know for a fact that the owner/driver of the mentioned car is a true sportsman so unless someone has better suggestions rather than critisize ONLY then it would be better to keep quiet instead of pass ridiculous comments and if you . dont like motorsport then just dont follow it.

M Muscat

May 8th 2010, 12:13

Dalghodu ippruvajt nasal l-ezamination centre tal-belt...il-vjagg kien tal-biza ghax hlief toroq maghluqin ma kienx hemm. Min ta l-permess jaf li l-belt mhix race track u li l-access kien kwazi maghluq kompletamanet? Jafu li llum kien hemm l-ezamijiet il-belt? F'hin minnhom zammewna nofs siegha milli naqsmu...nofs siegha li fiha ghaddiet biss karozza wahda. Niskanta kif b'dan l-incident ma wegga hadd ghax is-safety standards li rajt fil-kanturnieri kienu foqra u infantili...fosthom blokka tal-konkons....dik safety barrier eh!!!

Phil Press

May 8th 2010, 12:11

@ E.
I thought all of Malta was a Grand Prix circuit. On a daily basis.

J. Dalli

May 8th 2010, 12:03

This is complete madness. The idea of holding such an activity looks OK but in practice they know it can't be a success. You cannot make Valletta (including the Waterfront) and the business outlets stop for a whole weekend (remember tomorrow is Mother's Day). Also, reaching my place of work this morning was almost impossible. Why not try to hold the grand prix at Ta' Qali or Hal Far next time?

Rocco Cauchi

May 8th 2010, 12:02

It is preposterous to hold such races on the ring-road around Valletta and no wonder hectic works were going on during the past week, tarmacing and the laying of roadside crash barriers, which would be a considerable inconvenience during the remaining days of the year with persons who would have parked their cars alongside these wisepread bars, would have to walk along ON THE ROAD because they cannot otherwise reach the pavement.
Equally preposterous was it last Friday to have parking around Valletta only till 3 p.m. when the vast majority of workers who park along the ring-road are at Valletta till 5.30 p.m. This has caused problems for all, including the park-and-ride system, all for a GP race to be held the next day!
It is worth remembering ON ALL OCCASIONS that Valletta commuters have to be guaranteed parking space at all times and that inventing one-day "national" priorities does not hold. After all, an Hon. Minister whose constituency is Valletta, has guaranteed unheard of privileges for Valletta citizens, so why all this dividing of Malta into little unworkable princedoms?

Joseph N Attard

May 8th 2010, 11:58

Most of our road surfaces are a death trap. We find money for everything, even for the Greeks, but not for our road infrastructure. Naturally, I do not know the dynamics of this sad accident, but it is a fact that those roads which are not in a disasterous state suffer from slippery surfaces, reportedly because wrong, soft aggregate is used. The authorities seem to think that the solution is to install more cash cows, I mean speed cameras.

The foregoing does not exonarate drivers from the care and attention they should give to their driving. If a road surface is bad, drive accordingly.

E Mangion

May 8th 2010, 11:47

Whoever knows what real racing means, wouldn't have even thought of racing in the Valletta Grand Prix. The roads are a death trap for an drivers; be it racing or even normal traffic. I hope no one will get injured, but a small notice to the organisers:

If you really want a safe race around Valletta which can be enjoyed by all the public, tourists and the drivers themselves, then chance all the roads along the perimeter of Valletta.