The Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) has announced the creation of the first Maltese-registered Formula Racing team.
Malta Formula Racing brings together foreign experts and teams who have a wealth of experience in various motorsport categories, such as F1 racing and drivers’ management, a five-time kart world champion and a technical support group from a team that competed in F1, F3, Formula Indy and Formula 3000 races.
The Malta Formula Racing team is poised to make its debut in the newly-founded FIA Formula 4 (F4) Italian Championship, under the auspices of ACI CSAI, which gets underway in June.
“This championship will consist of seven rounds and a total of 21 races at circuits that are synonymous with Formula One and MotoGP such as Barcelona in Spain and Monza, Imola, Mugello along with Vallelunga, Adria and Magione racing circuits in Italy,” the MMF said in a statement.
“All races will be broadcast live by RAI Sport.”
The Malta Formula Racing team will be using two brand new Tatuus F4 monocoque FIA racers, equipped with the new Abarth 414 F4 turbocharged 1.4cc 160hp engines and Pirelli tires.
Presently, the racing team are evaluating sponsorship options with a view to recruiting at least one young Maltese driver.
MMF president Tonio Cini described the creation of the Malta Formula Racing team as a milestone in the history of motorsport in our country.
“The formation of the Malta Formula Racing team has come about after intensive meetings with several key stakeholders,” Cini said.
“This venture highlights the commitment of the MMF to create new, exciting opportunities for our youngsters. We have already begun talks to establish the first Racing Drivers Academy with the support of Malta Formula Racing.
“However, it is ironic and somewhat illogical to have a Racing Drivers Academy and a Maltese-registered Formula racing team but no racetrack where to train and prepare the young drivers.”
The launch of the Malta Formula Racing team will be held locally once the racing cars have been delivered and tested.