The 2011 Mdina Grand Prix has been raised a bar after the inclusion of the Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons’ grandson, Michael Quinn, as a racer.

Mr Quinn will be tackling the course in a Jaguar E Type donated by Malta’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Joseph Zammit Tabona.

He has raced regularly in his Classic Formula 3 car, an E Type Jaguar, in the E Type Challenge currently celebrating its 50th anniversary year.

The 2011 Mdina Grand Prix is managed by the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation (VGPF) and is open to cars in a strict period specification. It includes both race trim and standard cars.

The event features races and exhibitions of historic and classic cars. The race, which is usually held in and around Valletta, has been moved because of the Renzo Piano City Gate project.

The event will start on Friday, October 21 with the Concours d’Elegance, where all the cars will be on display in St Paul Square, Mdina, in front of the cathedral.

The main timed sprint runs and demonstration runs will be held throughout the following two days. The Mdina Grand Prix Classic Car Event 2011 comes to a close following a presentation dinner on the Sunday night, when trophies will be presented to the class winners and the Challenge Trophy will be presented to the overall winner, who will also receive a €3,000 Bremont watch provided by local agents Vascas.

The full details of the 2011 programme are available on the VGPF website www.vallettagrandprix.com, or join the Facebook page through the website.

A VIP hospitality area supported by Cisk is available for those who want the best experience track-side. Tickets are available on a strictly first-come, first-served basis, at €60 per person per day.

Call 9920 7677 to reserve a ticket.