The Rabat Local Council; through the many initiatives taken over the past couple of years has succeeded in establishing itself as the Mecca of Malta’s motorsport scene. The Rabat Motorsport festival has grown to a three week event, encompassing disciplines as diverse as Enduro racing, Hillclimbs, Go Kart races and static shows, with hundreds of cars on display – ranging from classic cars to modified modern and race cars.
The locality also hosts Mtahleb – the country’s most illustrious and prestigious Motorsport venue. Thanks to the sterling efforts of the Island Car Club and Mayor Sandro Craus, the Mtahleb hill is currently being resurfaced in phases, with the ultimate aim of bringing this venue up to standards that would allow International Events to be held there.
The newly resurfaced hill is now featuring prominently in the Island Car Club’s Calendar, with two events being held there in a span of three weeks. The last event, on the 18th September saw Hubert Camilleri win the battle with Joshua Anastasi for the fastest time, after an unfortunate incident saw the engine in Zach Zammit’s Ralt switch off in the last corner, thus eliminating him as a possible contender.
Group Five saw Jason Muscat win with a credible 60.94, whilst the drive of the day most definitely went to Mark Micallef, who stormed up the hill in a blistering 62.307. John Zammit trailed slightly behind in His Audi Powered Lotus Elise, winning his class as well as posting the fastest time for Group 3. He in turn was followed by Jesmond Mangion who topped the Group 4 Ranking and Didier Bugeja and James Dunford who were the fastest in Groups 2 and 3 respectively.
Next Sunday will see the Island Car Club return to this venue for the 6th instalment of the season.
