Valletta Grand Prix 2011 details
The third edition of the Valletta Grand Prix is once again being held around the UNESCO World Heritage City of Valletta from 16-22 May, 2011. This annual historic classic car event is the only one of its kind staged entirely around Valletta’s ring road.
The Valletta Grand Prix is an important highlight of Malta’s 2011 motorsport calendar. The event not only attracts local aficionados, but foreign motoring enthusiasts and tourists alike. Today, the VGP is listed on various international websites in their calendar of motoring events. It is also seen as the Monaco of the southern Med.
The event is organised by the Valletta Grand Prix Foundation (VGPF) in collaboration with the Valletta Local Council, the Floriana Local Council, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Tourism, the Environment and Culture, the Malta Tourist Authority, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth and Sport, the Malta Sports Council (KMS), Transport Malta (TM), the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communication (MITC), the Malta Police Force, the Malta Motorsport Federation (MMF), the Old Motors Club (OMC) and the Island Car Club (ICC), with the financial support of corporate sponsors and partners.
The 1.0-km two-day Sprint Event was first held In May 2009. Last May the second edition was expanded further to include a five-day pre main event programme. This ran from Monday to Friday with the Concours d’Elegance being held on Friday afternoon where many exhibits in pristine condition were on display at Valletta’s waterfront. Four international judges, three from the UK and one from the US, were invited to Malta to award the points and placings.
The main competitive event started on Saturday morning with practice timed sprint runs and official timed sprint runs held in the afternoon. Sunday saw the exciting 4.2-km full circuit demonstration runs together with other activities. Over the weekend various local motoring clubs in collaboration with VGPF, Malta’s OMC and the MMF participated in static car exhibitions ending with a car parade via the full Valletta circuit.
2011 event programme
The 2011 five-day pre main event programme will commence on the evening of Monday, 16 May. From Tuesday to Friday, 17-20 May, a series of pre main event activities will be held. The climax here will be the Concours d’Elegance on Friday afternoon. The main timed sprint runs and demonstration runs will be held throughout Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May.
The event comes to a close following the presentation dinner on the Sunday night. The finer details of the 2011 programme are currently being finalised and will shortly be uploaded on the VGPF website www.vallettagrandprix.com.
The 2010 event attracted a mix of over 70 local and foreign participants. From the encouraging response and interest received so far from foreign and local prospective participants, VGPF envisages an increase in participation of some 100 local and foreign cars. The 2011 Entry Forms together with the Technical Guidelines are already online. It is highly recommended that prospective participants register early.
The Valletta Grand Prix Foundation welcomes companies or individuals who are keen to support this exciting motoring event through sponsorships and other forms of support. Motoring clubs and individuals interested in participating in ether the Valletta Grand Prix, the Concours d’Elegance or the static car shows are requested to get in touch with Gerald J. Zammit on +356 7949 8413 or via e-mail gerald.zammit@vallettagp.com. Alternatively, one can contact any VGPF board member listed on the VGP website for assistance.
