Although Jean Todt’s visit this month is set to last only a few hours, Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF) president Tonio Cini yesterday told a news conference that the local motoring community will reap huge benefits from the visit of the FIA president.
Todt, a former Ferrari chief, will be the main guest at the SportMalta Awards at the Mediterranean Conference Centre on January 29.
“We are looking forward to having Jean Todt here at the end of this month,” Cini said.
“Todt’s visit will be relatively short but his presence here will be crucial to attract more attention from the world governing body towards the development of motor sport in Malta.
“He has only been in office for just over a year but we’ve already managed to secure assistance in the form of educational programmes for our racing officials and drivers.
“We hope this is just the start of a fruitful co-operation with the FIA and we will do everything possible to make things happen so we can get more assistance from abroad in future.”
Todt will arrive here on January 29 at 12.30 p.m. After addressing the media, he will tour the drag racing facilities in Ħal Far.
Cini said the highlight of Todt’s visit will be a gala lunch at the Hilton Hotel where federation-affiliated members, along with motor sport enthusiasts, will have the opportunity to meet with the Frenchman.
“Obviously, there will be a limit on the number of guests for this activity but our intention is to try and accommodate as many of our members as possible.
“Meeting Jean Todt is an occasion of a lifetime so we’ll be making it possible for those present to enjoy their time in the presence of our illustrious guest.”
Todt will round up his visit here by attending the SportMalta Awards in Valletta.
Cini moved to dispel criticism aimed at the Għaqda Ġurnalisti Sport and Kunsill Malti għall-Isport, the joint-organisers of the awards contest, over the fact that no MMF representative made it to the finals this year.
“I know that there has been a lot of criticism that no-one from our sport is among this year’s awards finalists,” Cini, himself a former official of the year winner, said.
“However, we believe that the organisers have conducted the selection process according to the rules and we have to accept the final outcome.”
Pippo Psaila, chairman of the SportMalta Awards organising committee, lauded the MMF for succeeding in convincing Todt to visit Malta.
“We are honoured to have Jean Todt among us as he is one of the legends in the sport,” Psaila said.
“His achievements in Formula One are incredible and his presence here will give added prestige to our contest as well as the Motor Sport Federation.”