Our islands rank fourth in car density in Europe, and although statistics show over 40,000 motorsport enthusiasts, we still lack a state-of-the-art motorsport facility with a holistic vision geared towards both the safety and the sporting aspect of motorsport.
Such a motorsport facility has been a topic of discussion for decades. This year, however, the project has seen renewed interest by stakeholders and political leaders. Law enforcement representatives and regulatory authorities, non-government organisations, emergency services and motoring businesses have also confirmed their interest in the project through Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) President Tonio Cini.
The facility would also come in handy for 3,000 or so candidates sitting for their driving tests each year.
Danger without control can take the life of both driver and passenger, as well as casual victims. The fact that current motoring schools and exam regulations do not train candidates to perform specific man-oeuvres in all road conditions and situations is worrying, particularly with the alarming rate of accidents on our roads.
According to the NSO, up to August this year total road accidents amounted to 10,893. Casualties reached 1,238, a slight increase when compared to the 1,223 casualties in 2012.
While current driving schools do give an introduction to basic driving skills, nevertheless a more advanced – and needed – appreciation of steering handling cannot be taught within public spaces; a more specialised area is required. How can one get trained to perform a safe emergency brake with a vehicle not equipped with ABS? Are we aware of how to counteract the peril of a car drift, especially in damp conditions?
The proposed facility should encompass a road safety facility with funding, knowledge and technical assistance for first-time motorists through real simul-ations of diverse road conditions (e.g. gravel, narrow alleys, no road shoulders, winter roads) and weather conditions (e.g. rain, ice, poor visibility).
The facility should also be designed for motorsport practice including circuit racing, drifting, time attack championships, free runs etc. Although motorsport is a highly-successful sport overseas, local devotees are forced to satisfy their adrenaline through illegal street racing on public roads or opt to head out of Malta, hauling their racing cars and equipment to foreign racing tracks in Sicily at Racalmuto, investing thousands of euros into foreign capital in the process.
Organised events would create huge revenue
A track with five kilometres of open space can be designed to serve as a new entertainment venue for concerts and static shows, events that will advisably be booked throughout the year creating considerable revenue for stakeholders. By comparing similar projects abroad and considering a full impact assessment by former Formula One driver Alex Wurz, the track can be a great financial asset.
Revenue brought in by large and small race events and car shows would contribute to the initial cost. A professional racing school would attract groups of foreign students throughout the year, generating an economic outward ripple effect through sports tourism.
We’re just a stone’s throw away from building this motorsport facility. Stakeholders are waiting for the go-ahead from our political leaders to transform this golden opportunity into an interactive reality. The Labour Party is committed to promoting the building of a racing track facility.
For public entertainment and for our own safety, the building of this motorsport facility should be on the country’s priority list.