Muddy terrain... Peter Sammut rides his KTM bike.Malta is in the running to host the highly prestigious FIM World Conference in 2019 after Assoċjazzjoni Sport Muturi u Karozzi (ASMK) delegates received encouraging feedback during initial talks with the international motorcycling body in Germany, last week, the motor sport association said in a statement.
In 2015, the ASMK came in for praise from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) for their organisation of the FIM-Europe annual general conference in Malta.
“The experience and good reputation gained during that meeting prompted the ASMK to start talks at a higher level with FIM with the top item on the agenda being the world conference in three years’ time,” the ASMK said.
More than 1,100 officials, competitors and distinguished guests were in Berlin on Saturday where FIM president Vito Ippolito presented trophies to motorcycling winners in various categories and different championships.
The gala night is part of the FIM World Conference activities which include workshops and meetings between high-ranking officials of the governing body and its member associations.
John Micallef (vice-president), Johann Pace (secretary general) and Manuel Camilleri (treasurer) attended the Berlin meeting on behalf of the ASMK.
The ASMK said there is a very good chance that the world conference will be staged in Malta in the near future.
“There is strong backing for our proposal,” it said.
“In fact, a FIM delegate will be visiting Malta next March as a result of our interest in hosting the world conference.
“If we get the FIM’s green light, this could also mean that the world conference will be staged in Malta for two consecutive years.
“Our target is 2019-2020.”
Andorra are already committed to organising the 2017 and 2018 end-of-year meetings.
Locally, the ASMK will shift focus to the National Championship and the second round from the Poiatti Enduro series this Sunday.
Enduro racing
Racing will be held at the Xagħra tal-Magħlaq quarry in Qrendi.
Registration starts at 9am and racing is scheduled for 10am. This event is also open to non-ASMK registered members.
At present, the Enduro standings see Joseph Scicluna (KTM) on top after winning the first-round race at the circuit in Ta’ Qali in October. He is followed by Matthew Gauci (Sherco), James Zahra (Yamaha) and Bernard Sammut (KTM) in that order.
Meanwhile, the association confirmed that works on different tracks at its complex in Ta’ Qali will be completed in time for this weekend’s Autocross and Moto-cross practice sessions.