Modernising Maltaâs Drag Racing and Karting Infrastructure
SportMalta is leading a major investment to modernise the motorsport facilities in ÄĶal Far, bringing the Drag Racing and Karting tracks up to the highest international standards. The project aims to create a state-of-the-art motorsport hub that serves Maltaâs vibrant community of racing enthusiasts while supporting the long-term development of the sport.
The upgraded facilities will feature dedicated, purpose-built circuits supported by improved safety systems, paddock areas, and operational infrastructure. The project is being designed to meet the technical and safety requirements established by leading international motorsport authorities.
For drag racing, SportMalta will seek FIA Grade A homologation, the top level of certification for drag racing venues. Achieving this status would position the ÄĶal Far strip among Europeâs elite facilities, capable of hosting FIA-sanctioned international events and attracting top-tier teams and drivers.
The karting track is planned to reach CIK-FIA Grade 1 homologation, the highest standard for international karting circuits. This would enable Malta to host world-class karting competitions and provide young drivers with a professional environment to develop their skills.
This investment reflects SportMaltaâs commitment to safety, excellence, and the future of motorsport in Malta. By modernising the infrastructure, Malta will not only enhance the experience for local competitors and spectators but also strengthen its potential to welcome international motorsport events in the years ahead.
Development of a Grade 3 Motor Racing Circuit in ÄĶal Far
For many years, Maltaâs motorsport community has highlighted the need for a dedicated racing circuit that meets international standards and supports the long-term growth of the sport. Such a facility would provide local drivers with the opportunity to train and compete under professional conditions, while enabling the country to host internationally recognised events.
The Government of Malta, together with SportMalta, is committed to developing a modern racing circuit in ÄĶal Far, designed to achieve FIA Grade 3 homologation. The new circuit will be integrated with the existing motorsport facilities in the area, including the drag racing strip and karting track, creating a comprehensive motorsport hub for both national and international use.
The project will be developed in line with the highest safety and environmental standards. FIA Grade 3 homologation ensures that a circuit meets all technical, operational and safety criteria required to host a wide range of competitions, including touring car championships, GT4 events, selected GT3 races, Formula 4, national series, historic racing, and various grassroots or promotional motorsport activities.
By meeting these standards, the ÄĶal Far circuit will play a key role in nurturing local talent, enhancing Maltaâs motorsport infrastructure, and expanding opportunities for athletes, clubs, and enthusiasts. It represents a significant step forward in strengthening the motorsport ecosystem in Malta and positioning the country to attract prestigious international events in the future.
New National Tennis Center in Pembroke
Another project that SportMalta has embarked upon is the new National Tennis Centre in Pembroke. Development is taking place on a site which last served as the parade military grounds for British Services, meeting the specification requirements of the Malta Tennis and Padel Federation, who is entrusted with the full management of the facility. The project, which will cost well over âŽ2 million, is being financed by SportMalta, who as the National Entity responsible for Sport, is helping the Malta Tennis and Padel Federation through the financial assistance scheme available to develop and upgrade sports facilities.
The facility will have six in number Tennis-courts which are built to full standards of the sport, thus able to allow training as well as National and International competition. Court 1 is established as the main-court, as it stands shielded by surrounding player facilities and spectator stands. A separate spectator stand has been built adjacent to Courts 2 & 4. The completed project, which is expected to be officially inaugurated in the first quarter of 2026, will also offer changing room and shower facilities, as well as office and meeting facilities for the federation and the press.
New Stands at the National Pool East Wing
During 2024, upon successful hosting of the European Water-polo Champions League, Final Four Championships which were held at the National Pool Complex at Tal-Qroqq, the ever-ambitious SportMalta set its eyes on another upgrade project for this popular facility.
In fact, while for the previous three years, the entity was hiring temporary stands to serve as an extension of the spectator stands on the East side, SportMalta has put up a target to construct new stands as permanent structures extending the existing spectator facility of the National Pool Complex. SportMalta set itself up for this challenging target and through a tight but perfectly co-ordinated effort, plans were prepared, Planning Application submitted, a Development Permit was approved, and the Tenders were all prepared to close the procurement process in time for the construction phase to begin in December 2024.
The execution of the project will see the completion of the construction, M&E and Finishes phases to deliver an extension of the East-side stands, capable of seating an additional 400 spectators. While the actual foot-print site of this extension is a part of the existing car-park on the east side of the pool, SportMaltaâs architects designed the structure to be set on top of columns so as to minimise any negative effects on parking spaces. Upon completion, the new stands will provide accessibility to all by means of lifts, special areas assigned for VIPs and the press as well providing space for office facilities. All this, in a permanent structure that can be utilised by the water-sport community for years to come enhancing the suitability of the National Pool Complex for holding important European and International competitions.
