Valletta Grand Prix to be held again in May

The second Valletta Grand Prix will take place on May 8 and 9.

The event features races and exhibitions of historic and classic cars.

At a press conference this afternoon, the organisers said the circuit had this year been extended to all around Valletta, covering some four kilometres.

The number of participants is this year expected to double from 50 to 100 and include drivers from England, Italy and The Netherlands.

Parliamentary Secretary for Sports Clyde Puli said the government was optimistic about the event, which would contribute to sports tourism. Sports visitors last year contributed to 22,000 bed nights in Malta and 1.2 million euros.

Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco said the aim of the event was to make Malta more attractive to tourists.

He explained that nowadays tourists tended to plan holidays to coincide with national events. He wished the Grand Prix every success and said that the Middle Sea Race was also a dream of a handful of enthusiasts 30 years ago.

Source "The Times"