Mikhail Mercieca Claims Victory at Imola as GT3 Championship Battle Intensifies

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The second round of the Malta National GT3 Championship 2025 turned up the heat at Imola, delivering the kind of wheel-to-wheel action that spectators had been waiting for. After a calm opening round, this event brought everything, from drama, overtakes, penalties, and pure pace from Malta’s finest GT3 talents.

Under mild conditions with 23 degrees ambient and 26 degrees on track, finding grip proved a challenge. Yet Mikhail Mercieca of Project Eversio wasted no time, setting a blistering 1:42.871 on his first flying lap, showing speed comparable to international standards.

As the minutes ticked down, Intercom VMD Simsport driver Aaron Debattista fought back with a late charge, edging Mercieca with a 1:41.970, the only lap to dip below the 42-second mark.

Newcomer Ilan Dimech Ghirxi impressed everyone with a stunning P3, followed closely by Brandon Bonello in fourth. The top four were separated by just two tenths of a second, a clear sign that the battle for victory was going to be enjoybale to watch.

When the lights went out, Debattista made a strong start, pulling a small gap to avoid early chaos. Behind him, Jayden and Andrew Ellul exchanged positions in a spirited opening lap as the rest of the pack settled in.

By lap two, Mercieca made his move for the lead, but contact between him and Debattista resulted in a 5-second penalty for the Project Eversio driver. Despite the penalty, Mercieca pressed on, setting fastest laps and building a solid gap ahead.

Further back, Andreevski and Jean Pierre Caruana clashed at Tamburello in a controversial overtake that left Caruana spinning. After review, the stewards declared it a racing incident, a decision that sparked debate among spectators.

As the race approached its final minutes, Debattista, eager to recover from earlier setbacks, closed in on Ghirxi for P3. Their battle intensified lap after lap, allowing Bonello to close the gap. With just minutes to go, contact between Debattista and Ghirxi sent both spinning, again ruled a racing incident.

Bonello seized the opportunity, climbing to second place, while Andreevski capitalised as well to grab fourth which is his best result so far this season.

At the flag, Mercieca crossed the line first, taking his maiden win of the 2025 championship, followed by Bonello and Ghirxi on the podium.

With three rounds remaining, the battle for the Malta National GT3 Championship title is wide open. The rivalry between Mercieca, Bonello, Debattista and Ghirxi is heating up, and if Imola was any indication, the next round promises even more intense action.

Kian Gauci Dominates Opening Round of Malta’s First National Virtual Karting Championship 2025

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The first-ever Malta National Virtual Karting Championship 2025 roared into life this past weekend, marking a new milestone for local motorsport. Organised in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation, Gaming Malta, and AC Karting, the event was nothing short of action-packed, with young Maltese karting drivers taking their talents into the digital arena.

For World Pro Racing CEO Justin Mifsud, the launch of this championship represents much more than another competition.

“It’s an honour for us to add another discipline to Malta’s sim racing scene,” said Mifsud during the live broadcast on TVMSPORT+.

“Our aim has always been to nurture Maltese talent, not just by giving them competitions, but by supporting their growth through sim racing, which is crucial nowadays. Not only that, but we prepare them to environments that they need to experience as soon as they reach a higher level of competition, by doing interviews to the podium to further increase their presentation skills.”

Justin Mifsud

AC Karting co-founder Jon Singleton, in a quick interview, also emphasised the importance of the project, noting the effort put into building realistic kart models and tracks. alongside karting champions, he explained. This will not only help active drivers sharpen their skills but also give opportunities to young talents who cannot yet afford to compete on real circuits.

The weekend’s qualifying session saw Kian Gauci immediately stamp his authority, setting the fastest lap of 37.831s He was followed closely by Zack Scicluna registering 37.942s seconds, impressively competing against older drivers, while Benjamin Borg Irimia secured third with a 38.180 seconds. Ayrton Jon Tonna, Timothy Zarb, Eli Tonna, and Joelle Desira rounded out the order.

The first heat was pure domination by Gauci, who converted pole into a commanding win. Behind him, an opening-corner incident created chaos, but young Ayrton Jon Tonna seized the chance to climb into the fight for the podium. Ultimately, Gauci cruised to victory, with Borg Irimia in second and Jon Tonna third.

In the second heat, Gauci once again came out on top, though this time the battle was much tighter. Ayrton Tonna and Zarb kept him honest, with Borg Irimia and Scicluna fighting fiercely for podium contention. Desira, the only female driver on the grid, showed determination and improvement, fighting through positions and earning valuable respect. Gauci, however, remained untouchable, taking his second consecutive win, with Borg Irimia and Zarb joining him in the top three.

The 18-lap final was the perfect showcase of young Maltese karting talent. Gauci got a strong start, but unlike earlier heats, the pressure was relentless. Borg Irimia stayed within striking distance, while Scicluna waited patiently for any mistake to capitalize on.

Further back, an incident between Zarb and Jon Tonna shuffled the order, with Desira moving up into the top five. Midway through the race, Gauci showed nerves of steel, gradually extending his lead while Borg Irimia and Scicluna fought for the remaining podium spots.

When the chequered flag fell, Gauci completed a clean sweep, with three wins out of three, announcing himself as the driver to beat in this historic first championship. Borg Irimia finished just two seconds behind in second, while Scicluna celebrated a hard-earned third. Jon Tonna, Eli Tonna, Zarb, and Desira completed the order.

With Gauci and Borg Irimia proving their experience, and Scicluna showing promise despite racing against older competitors, this shows that the championship is full of unpredictability. The calendar will be even more intriguing given that some drivers may miss rounds due to real-life karting commitments abroad, a factor that could shake up the standings.

What’s certain is that this first-ever national virtual karting championship has already delivered excitement, drama, and proof of Malta’s growing pool of young motorsport talent.

 

 

Aaron Debattista Opens Malta National F4 Championship 2025 with Stellar Performance at Donington

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Intercomp VMD Simsport driver battles hard across sprint and feature races to lead the standings after Round 1

The Malta National F4 Championship 2025 packed Donington Park in spectacular fashion, delivering two races filled with drama, chaos, and tense racing that left viewers and the commentators breathless. In collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation, iRacing, and Gaming Malta, the championship’s first round has already shown what season is coming ahead.

Qualifying served as the first glimpse of what was to come. A tense session saw times tumble until the very last second, with Aaron Debattista clinching pole for Intercomp VMD Simsport. Right behind him was debutant Ilan Dimech Ghirxi, who impressed immediately, while Project Eversio’s Steve Axisa Farrell slotted into third.

The sprint race got underway with fireworks from the start. Ghirxi launched perfectly, seizing the lead into the first corner as Axisa Farrell and Jake Sammut gave chase. Chaos struck late in the lap when Axisa and Sammut were involved in an incident, forcing both into the pits for lengthy repairs that left them scrambling to rejoin from the back. Meanwhile, battles raged throughout the midfield, with Matthias Scerri and Tiashan Moodley also getting caught in incidents.

At the front, Ghirxi defended bravely against a relentless Debattista. Behind them, Andrew and Jayden Ellul capitalised on the early chaos to move into strong positions, while Sammut began a storming recovery drive. On lap five, Debattista finally forced his way past Ghirxi at the final corner, but the debutant refused to let go, staying within striking distance. As the race neared its conclusion, Sammut charged back into podium contention and with less than two minutes on the clock, completed a decisive move on Andrew Ellul to grab third.

The chequered flag saw Debattista victorious, Ghirxi just four tenths behind in a stunning debut, and Sammut completing an incredible comeback in third.

If the sprint race was a showcase of Malta’s elite with tense battles, the feature was all about endurance under pressure. With the grid reversed for the top eight, Steve Axisa Farrell grabbed the early advantage, leading the pack as chaos unfolded behind. Sammut once again carved his way forward with precision overtakes, while Debattista and Ghirxi reignited their duel from the sprint.

The battles came thick and fast with Jayden Ellul fighting hard to defend against Sammut, but the Project Eversio driver eventually broke through to claim second, forming a 1-2 for the team. Behind them, Debattista’s determination paid off as he forced Sammut into an error, reclaiming second position and leaving Ghirxi to secure another podium in third. At the front, Axisa Farrell stayed cool under pressure to take a well-deserved win.

After all these battles, tension and pressure, it was Aaron Debattista who emerged as the early championship leader thanks to his sprint race win and consistent feature performance.

Debattista is now leading the championship with 46 points, followed by Ilan Dimech Ghirxi with 37 points and Steve Axisa Farrell in third with 33 points.

The first round has made it clear that the 2025 F4 National Championship is going to be a season of tight margins and exciting battles by Malta’s best sim racing talent. With so much talent on display, the road ahead promises nothing less than an edge-of-the-seat spectacle.

Brandon Bonello Leads to Victory in Malta National GT3 Championship 2025

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Project Eversio driver dominates qualifying and race to secure opening victory

The Malta National GT3 Championship 2025 got underway at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, where Brandon Bonello delivered a flawless drive to clinch the first win of the season.

Organised in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation, iRacing, Enemed, and Gaming Malta, this year’s championship is set to bring together Malta’s strongest sim racing talents across five rounds, with the opening contest proving to be a clear showcase of Malta’s sim racing growing scene.

Qualifying was a nail-biting affair, with Bonello, Aaron Debattista, Mikhail Mercieca, and newcomer Ilan Dimech Ghirxi all fighting for the top spot. In the dying moments of the session, Bonello produced a flying lap to secure pole position for Project Eversio.

When the green lights signalled the start of the 30-minute race, Bonello defended his lead with confidence. Debattista quickly slotted into second position, while Mercieca held onto third and Ghirxi impressed in his championship debut just behind the podium contenders.

The race developed into a battle of consistency, with the top three separated by mere tenths of a second. Every small error had the potential to change the running order, yet Bonello, Debattista, and Mercieca maintained their focus and formed a tight train at the head of the field. Further back, the chasing pack engaged in their own fights, but the frontrunners remained untouchable.

In the end, Bonello’s composure and growing maturity behind the wheel paid off. He took the chequered flag in first place, marking an excellent start to his season. Debattista, driving for Intercomp VMD Simsport, followed closely in second, with Mercieca securing a valuable podium for Project Eversio in third.

Race Results

While the opening round may not have featured dramatic overtakes or incidents, it promises to be an intense season. With four rounds still to go, Bonello, Debattista, Mercieca, and debutant Ghirxi are already emerging as the key names to watch in the fight for the prestigious 2025 Malta National GT3 Championship title.

Malta National Sim Racing Championships 2025

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The official Malta National Sim Racing Championships 2025 qualifiers kick off on Friday 15th August, ending on Sunday 31st August. This year’s competition will feature three categories:

  • GT3 – iRacing

  • F4 – iRacing

  • Karting – Assetto Corsa

Qualifiers entry is free and based online at the comfort of your home, but if you don’t have access to a simulator, you can book your session from our booking system and use our simulators at the facility. We kept the facility prices for the qualifiers as low as possible as per every National Championship. All qualifiers are based on fastest lap times, and depending on the number of entries in each category, elimination races may be held to determine the top 10 finalists who will progress to the national championship, hosted at our facility.

Championship Format

Each category will consist of 5 rounds. Full details for every championship, including dates and race formats, are available on our events page

Before registering, ensure you can attend all championship races to avoid replacement by the next eligible qualifier.

Eligibility

  • Open to Maltese citizens or Maltese residents

  • Aged 16+ for GT3 and F4

  • Karting will have both Junior and Senior categories. Junior 9 to 14 – Senior 15+

Participation & Other Fees

  • Qualifiers: Free

  • MMF Esports Licence: €20 (includes a free 1-year iRacing subscription with base cars & tracks). Payment link – Those who paid the license this year, skip this.

  • Championship Fee (top 10 finalists only): €175 (€35 per round) per category you qualify for.

  • Additional tracks/cars not in iRacing’s free content must be purchased separately.

  • To participate in the Karting qualifiers, subscribe to AC Karting’s gold membership. for just €6.50 you’ll have access to all of their karts and tracks. We have been collaborating with AC Karting for quite a while as they created the most realistic karts on Assetto Corsa.

How to Register

  1. Sign up on our website with your full name and surname.

  2. Apply to the qualifiers event on our website.

  3. Select the qualifiers you wish to enter:

    • GT3 & F4: Access via iRacing’s official Time Attack page.

      • GT3 – BMW M4 only (paid)
      • F4 – Official FIA F4 car (free)

    • Karting: Access via the Karting Qualifiers page on our site.

      • Juniors – 9 to 14
      • Seniors – 15+

  4. You may participate in one, two, or all three categories. If you qualify for multiple championships, the championship fee applies to each.

  5. Join our Discord channel and choose the platform you’ll be competing in and others you wish to join by going to the #role-selector which you can find on the left side. Please note that Discord is our main communication software.

Championships will be broadcast live on TVMSPORT+, ESTV and our streaming platforms. For more details on the championship rounds and schedules, visit our events page.

FIA Global Esports Competition for Women and Girls in Sim Racing

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World Pro Racing, in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation, is calling all Maltese women and girls interested to take part in the FIA’s ground breaking global esports competition. This exciting initiative aims to discover the world’s best female sim racing talent, and we want YOU to be part of it.

No Simulator? No Problem!

Our facility will be open to aspiring racers who don’t own a simulator. Train and compete using our simulators and give it a try.

This is your moment to hit the virtual track and do your best in a time attack challenge. Open to women aged 16 and above, regardless of motorsport experience, this competition welcomes everyone, whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or a newcomer. The top ten performers in the online qualification round will earn a spot to compete at the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assemblies Week in Macau.

What’s in It for You?

  • Compete Globally: Set your fastest lap in the online qualification round, open now until 6 May 00:00 GMT, on iRacing’s platform.
  • Where to start?: If you don’t own iRacing already, contact us so we can guide you further on how to obtain the MMF Esports license and receive a 1-year iRacing membership key (for new accounts).
  • Finalist Benefits: The top ten will gain media training, networking opportunities, and a deep dive into the motorsport industry in Macau.
  • Career Launchpad: Esports is a gateway to motorsport careers, and this could be your first step toward greatness.

Empowering Maltese Women in Motorsport

World Pro Racing and the Malta Motorsport Federation are dedicated to bringing more Maltese women into sim racing. By now you should know that esports removes traditional barriers, making motorsport accessible to all. Supported by the FIA’s Women in Motorsport Commission, this competition is a bold move to double female participation in the sport.

As Burcu Çetinkaya, FIA Women in Motorsport Commission Chair, said: “Esports allow us to reach broader, younger audiences, especially those with untapped talent or those with limited access to traditional motor sport pathways.”

Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Pay the MMF Esports license fee. (Provide name & surname in the provided area)
  2. Register on our website
  3. Wait for the iRacing key to be sent to your email.
  4. Sign up for the online qualification round on iRacing.
  5. Read the rules & regulations.
  6. Practice at home or at World Pro Racing’s facility.
  7. Set your fastest lap before the 6th May deadline.

No experience? No gear? No excuses! We are here to support you every step of the way. Feel free to contact us either on social media or email us to guide you further.

The Rookie Series Returns for 2025

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Are you new to sim racing? Looking to compete against fellow rookies with a clear goal in mind? Want to gain experience and prepare for top-tier events? Or maybe you’re used to racing against AI and ready to take the leap into online competition? If so, this series is made for you!

At World Pro Racing, we believe in fostering new talent by providing a professional, competitive, and supportive environment for rookie drivers. Launched in 2021, the Rookie Series is designed to educate and guide aspiring racers, equipping them with the skills needed to climb the ranks and compete at higher levels.

What Makes This Series Special?

  • Fair & Clean Racing – Compete against drivers of similar skill levels in a professional setting.
  • Experienced Stewarding – Motorsport-accredited stewards monitor every race, ensuring fair play. Unlike public lobbies, incidents here are reviewed, and drivers receive detailed explanations on penalties to improve their racecraft.
  • Multi-Sim Platform – Races will be hosted on iRacing, Assetto Corsa, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Le Mans Ultimate and at a later stage on Assetto Corsa Evo.
  • 24/7 Practice Servers – Dedicated servers will be available at all times for members to practice and refine their skills.
  • On-Site Racing Available – Races will be held online and it’s not limited to local drivers only. For locals who are without a simulator, our facility will be open for participation.

Race Format

  • 15-Minute Practice
  • 15-Minute Qualifying
  • 30-Minute Race

Dynamic Weather & Strategy Challenges

Each race will introduce different weather conditions and pit strategies to simulate real-world racing scenarios.

Races will be held throughout the year, offering continuous opportunities to grow, compete, and refine your skills.

Join our Discord and register on our website to stay updated on the official dates for the first event of the Rookie Series 2025!

Nic Taylor’s Simulation Training Sets Him for On-Track Success

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Nicolas Taylor, an 18-year-old Canadian racer living in Malta, is making waves in his debut season with PMA Motorsport in the 2024 TCR Italy Championship. Taylor, a karting champion, has transitioned to touring cars, training intensely on his WPR custom simulator before hitting the track.

Taylor’s dedication to simulator training paid off spectacularly. Despite the challenge of limited on-track preparation, he proved his skill on track and despite an undiagnosed mechanical issue that affected his race performance, Taylor finished first and second in the Rookie Cup (P6 and 13 overall).

Matteo Ansaloni, the sporting director for PMA Motorsport, expressed enthusiasm about Taylor joining the team: “We are very grateful to work with Nic this season. We met him in October 2023 in Cremona when he got into a race car for the first time. A few months later we planned to do the TCR Italian Championship in the best way possible with him.” Taylor himself is optimistic about his new role, stating, “The team has been great, really professional, and they support me so much, which makes me feel comfortable to challenge these big races. I come from karts so this is a great leap forward. I am learning a lot of new racing techniques working closely with the guys, and I do really like the drivability of the Audi.”

Living in Malta, Taylor’s achievements are a source of pride for the island. His hard work, both on the simulator, supported by World Pro Racing, and on the track, is propelling PMA Motorsport towards success in the Italian TCR Championship. As he prepares for the next round at Mugello, Taylor’s impressive debut promises even greater accomplishments ahead.

iRacing F4 Global Esports Championship

FIA F4 Esports Global Championship Launches

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Calling All Maltese Racing Enthusiasts

Attention all Maltese racing fans aged 16 and above! Get ready for an experience like never before as the FIA and iRacing team up to bring you the inaugural season of the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship.

What’s the buzz?

The FIA F4 Esports Global Championship is set to kick off this September, offering a pro-level Esports series that will have you at the edge of your seat. With four events and eight rounds on the cards, drivers from around the world will compete for a whopping $25,000 prize pool.

Why it matters?

This collaboration between the FIA and iRacing is not just about virtual racing; it’s about opening doors to real-world motorsport. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or just starting out, this championship offers a platform for aspiring racers to showcase their skills and potentially break into professional racing.

How to get involved?

To be eligible, register as a member with us and pay the MMF Membership Fee of 20 euros using this link provided. (Include your name and surname and F4 Global Championship in the reason for payment field). In return, you’ll receive a free 1-year iRacing membership key. This key collaboration was already announced with the launch of the Malta National Sim Racing Championship at WPR, alongside the Malta Motorsport Federation. This initiative aims to continue the growth of the sim racing scene in Malta and opens doors for professional competition locally and international. As part of this initiative, multiple local races will be created on iRacing for all members, with opportunities for international participation. If you don’t have a simulator setup at home, don’t worry, you can participate and practice from our facility.

Then, qualify for the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship by participating in iRacing’s FIA F4 Regional Tour series during the 2024 Season 3, starting in mid-June. The top 10 drivers in each Regional Tour series will secure their spots in the Global Championship.

What to expect?

Doubleheader events commence on September 14, September 28, October 12, and November 2. Each event promises very competitive races with drivers across regions, with track selections announced just 24 hours before the action begins. Plus, with fixed setups, it’s all about skill and strategy on the virtual track.

Why it’s exciting?

This isn’t just about virtual racing, it’s also a chance to get into the real world of Motorsport. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history in the making as the FIA F4 Esports Global Championship commence this fall.

Malta National Sim Racing Championships Qualifiers Concluded

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As the qualifiers for the Malta National Sim Racing Championships 2024 in collaboration with the Malta Motorsport Federation drew to a thrilling close, the competition reached its apex with new faces qualifying to the prestigious championship happening every two years.

In the GT3 category, Anton Mifsud a new participant in the National championship, clinched the top spot with a blistering time of 1:32.517 followed by 2022 National champion, Dean Vella, securing a commendable second place with a time of 1:32.902, closely followed by Kurt Camilleri, who rounded out the top three with a time of 1:33.172. Their performances have solidified their positions as formidable contenders in the upcoming championship battles.

Meanwhile, in the Formula 4 category, former Formula 4 driver who re-entered the sim racing world, Keith Camilleri seized victory and the fastest time of 1:33.215. Matthew Scerri and Aaron Debattista claimed second and third place, respectively, with times of 1:33.524 and 1:33.582. Another two new faces in the championship promising to add an extra layer of excitement to the forthcoming races.

As the spotlight now shifts to the main events, with seasoned veterans and emerging talents set to give us plenty of action, viewers can expect nothing short of action and nail-biting finishes. Each race promises tension and excitement, strategy, and full focus as competitors vie for getting that overall win and the chance to represent Malta on the global stage.

The stakes are higher than ever, with the FIA Motorsport Games in Valencia looming on the horizon. For these drivers, the opportunity to compete on such a prestigious platform is a dream within reach. Beyond the victory, the event offers invaluable exposure and potential pathways to greater success in the world of sim racing and motorsport.

To ensure that fans don’t miss a moment of the action, both championships will be live on National TV’s station, TVMSPORT+, with commentary provided by the dynamic duo of Riccardo Flask and Edwin Saliba adding the colour to the production. Their expertise and excitement promise to enhance the viewing experience, providing insightful analysis and passionate commentary that captures the intensity of every race.

The Malta National Sim Racing Championships are poised to deliver action by the best on the island. So fans and supporters, buckle up, hold on tight, and get ready for action, starting with the first round on the 1st of June 2024.