Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning said the Government was seriously considering the possibility of dedicating a plot of public land near the airport to a Motorsport and Road Safety Facility.

He said he had a change of heart about the issue when the Malta Motorsport Federation presented the proposal as a holistic project which was not only dedicated to motorsport enthusiasts but also to the public. The new and "innovative" proposal showed how this space could be used for driving lessons, safety awareness training and public entertainment events.

Speaking during a business breakfast organised by the federation, Dr Gonzi said he was not speaking as the leader of a political party, but as a Maltese Prime Minister who had received many proposals for motorsport facilities.

He had always been sceptical because every square inch of land on the small island was precious and could not be given away without serious and careful consideration.

He said the matter would be taken forward after the elections. Until then, the proponents should make sure they present a serious financial proposal that convinces any future Government about the commercial feasibility of the project. Another hurdle to overcome would be the environmental considerations, particularly noise pollution.

Mistakes could not be made when giving out public land, he said, because these mistakes take years to fix.  

During the business breakfast, various local and international officials of the federation and the FIA, its international mother organisation, spoke of the urgency of this project, saying this was the time to act.

Parliamentary secretary for Sports Clyde Puli also attended the business breakfast together with Alternattiva Demokratika deputy chairman Carmel Cacopardo. The organisers said Labour was not present because of an activity taking place simultaneously but had committed to meet the federation this evening.