A condition should be set in the call for expressions of interest for a motor sport complex to exclude ODZ land, Front Ħarsien ODZ said.

It said in a statement that considering that a racing track meeting standards for international competitions required the equivalent of 100 football grounds space wise, it would have been wiser for the planning authority to first conduct studies on whether developing such an enormous tract of land made environmental and planning sense in a small island like Malta.

"It would also have made more sense if Mepa had identified where such a development can take place within development zones or other committed sites. If no such land exists it is irresponsible for government to raise expectations of motor sports enthusiasts."

The front said it was also concerned that the race course may end up being an excuse for land speculation on ODZ land. Therefore, any race course should be a standalone project and not accompanied by any other commercial development.

It said that land reclamation affecting protected marine habitats should also be excluded.

The front said that while it understood the popularity of the sports, it urged the government to downscale its plans and ask Mepa to identify a smaller piece of land where it could be practiced safely and without any negative environmental impact.