Start your engines: Malta Classic 2017 returns

The Malta Classic, scheduled for October 5-8, 2017, is gearing up to be one of the most exciting races ever, featuring even more priceless and rare cars. Even more attractive for spectators this year, special tickets are being sold that will put them up-close and personal with the action. Taking place on 4 jam-packed days the Malta Classic will feature over 70 pre-1976 cars, taking part in hill climbs, static shows, and motorsport events.

The old may reign supreme during the event, but much is new as well with Mdina Grand Prix this year — the keenly awaited return of the Grandstand tops the list, as it will offer superb views of the circuit including the start, end, and the straight. Live streaming and race timings will now also be featured this year inside the Grandstand and VIP sections. The Mdina Grand Prix also welcomes a new category of cars on show this year; Modern Classics, which will feature a delightful selection of 80s super cars and rally car legends. This year the Mdina Grand Prix will also feature extremely rare models of Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, and Aston Martin.

The Malta Classic weekend is open to the public free of charge, with three ticketed areas offering enhanced event access to car enthusiasts. Paddock ticket holders will have the opportunity to get a closer look at the competing cars, while grandstand ticket holders will have views overlooking the start and end of the race. A limited number of VIP tickets are also available to purchase, affording holders with the best circuit views.

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets early at the Malta Classic website (link below).

List of events by day:

Thursday, October 5: The Malta Classic officially opens with the Mellieha Hill Climb by Thomas Smith. This event is a pure adrenaline-rush of cars racing to climb a magnificent limestone hill overlooking Mellieha and its beautiful blue sea.

Friday, October 6: The Mdina Concours d’Elegance by Mdina Glass celebrates the power and beauty of classic cars in the heart of Mdina. Select car collectors are invited to unveil true automotive gems to the delight of visitors. Spectators are encouraged to participate in the spirit of this event by attending in period dress.

Saturday, October 7: The Mdina Grand Prix by Chopard begins. Cars are put to the test on a track of tight bends, sweeping curves and inclines that wind their way through a valley of vineyards and terraced hills outside Mdina. Saturday comes to a close with timed drives to determine the starting order of Sunday’s grid.

Sunday, October 8: The real racing begins. Packs of 8 to 10 cars take to the circuit in a thrilling race to the finish line, as the unforgiving nature of the Malta Classic circuit brings out the very best of performance by both drivers and their classic racing automobiles. The ten fastest drivers from Saturday’s time trials will compete to win the coveted Malta Classic Trophy and a limited edition Mille Miglia Chronograph by Chopard.

Photo: Stefan Stafrace Photography

Information for Spectators:

· Triq l-Infetti, Rabat, is allocated for public parking. Free transport to and from the circuit and paddock will be in the form of old Maltese buses.

· A free Classic Car Park is reserved for owners arriving in their pre-1980s classic cars. This is located on the Mtarfa Bypass and serviced by free shuttles.

· A limited quantity of official Malta Classic merchandise, including a collector’s set of posters, is available to purchase.

· Vintage food trucks and cocktail bars offer a variety of refreshment options for spectators.

· A VIP section offers the best circuit views. A very limited number of VIP tickets remain, and can be purchased at the website below.

· VIP and Grandstand ticket holders will be able to watch live streaming of the event with live update race timings.

Further details of the Malta Classic program, including times of races, musical performances, and an event map, are available here.