Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1479276
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI THE first phase of the national motorsports centre at Ħal Far will be completed by April 2023, as the €20 million project nears completion of this initial phase. The track is being built around similar facilities in Hal Far so as not to be located out- side the development zones. The track will be designed by German professionals, and will be built away from residential areas in Birżebbuga. The track is designed by Til- ke GmbH & Co. KG of Germa- ny and will have a maximum 2,000m length. The project will include the racetrack itself, which will have 12 turns, six right and six left-hand turns, a 472m start-finish straight, and over 4,800sq.m of paddock, grandstands, and access roads. Government sources have said the quarter-mile track at the new motorsports cen- tre will be completed by April 2023, with the race track near- ing completion by early 2024. Sources said the track will be funded using the National Social & Development Fund, which is financed by the sale of citizenship to high-net worth individuals. It seems budgetary cuts related to energy subsi- dies, will not affect the project according to sources in govern- ment. The new quarter-mile track will also be in line with inter- national standards, and will be able to host elite competitions, by getting Fédération Interna- tionale de l'Automobile (FIA) homologation certification. The FIA develops standards and specifications for a variety of safety and other racing-re- lated products. Manufacturers of products intended to meet those standards and specifi- cations can submit them for approval through a process known as 'homologation'. Sources said authorities will be installing sound mitigation measures around the motor- sports centre. Motorsport enthusiasts have long clamoured for a profes- sional race track, something that found itself in the electoral manifestos of both major polit- ical parties. kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt Hal Far racetrack to be completed by early 2024 National motorsports centre's quarter- mile strip will near completion by April 2023 Sources said the track will be funded using the National Social & Development Fund, which is financed by the sale of citizenship to high-net worth individuals. It seems budgetary cuts related to energy subsidies, will not affect the project according to sources in government