Motorsport race track considerations

The construction of a race track brings many challenges with it, such as planning and designing of the race track, site-work construction, drainage system, paving, surfacing, equipping the track in a safety manner and various others.

Being a Formula 1 addictive and a motorsport lover myself, I can understand the fact, that many professional drivers and other people in Malta are immensely passionate about motorsport and they can’t wait to see a motor race track here in Malta.

However the construction of a motor race track requires plenty of time and serious thinking, and sometimes it’s not always plain sailing, especially in a country like Malta is very limited in its geographical size.

Many have been asking why it is taking so long to the Government to materialize the project of the motorsport race track. I do understand that this is because there are so many factors that require an in-depth thinking and a thorough analysis.

Surely, a motor race track will be particularly designed for track racing competition through excessive speed that caters for a start-finish line and timing equipment. The construction of a race track brings many challenges with it, such as planning and designing of the race track, sitework construction, drainage system, paving, surfacing, equipping the track in a safety manner and various others.

It’s not about ‘just building’ a race track but it’s about ‘doing things right’! Doing things right by having no compromise whatsoever about the quality of work, as quality will pro-long the life cycle of the race track while being recognised worldwide for having a state of the art race track.

A state of the art race track can attract foreign attention such as drivers and spectators and possibly foreign potential investment as well.

However, while the potential that a motor race track offers is enormous the main concern is where and how to build it. When possible designs were proposed by private architects or individuals and a place was mentioned the feedback by neighbouring communities wasn’t very welcoming.

The planning and design phase goes beyond finding a land which can be used for this purpose and one must keep in mind that this is not just the track on which cars will drive. Choosing the site will also involve other aspects like knowing what type of soil the site as this will determine what type of pavement is to be used as to make a durable pavement that will serve for long term with minimal maintenance.

All motorsport professionals know well that for a good run the ideal surface should ensure tolerance, grade and slope and these can be obtained by using rubber materials like latex and polyurethane; such materials can also be customised; however, this depends on the budget that one has.

The outside perimeter of the race track requires sophisticated cubing as to serve as a barrier between the surrounding area and the race track. Careful attention also needs to be given to the event areas, such as having a safe and clear spectator view together with a good-sized area serving as car park.

Many have argued that this project is being ignored and put aside, but one needs to envisage the full process in order to understand its implications. This government kept its promise with various sectors of society and I’m sure it’s doing its utmost to do the same with the motor sports enthusiasts.

I do believe that this project will bring a lot of benefits and it can also boost our solid economy. However for such a big project to be implemented to be successful it must be done in a responsible manner.