Albania, a country not necessarily known for its gestures of largesse, has opened its borders, and Presidential Palace, to the Gumball Rally - a group of Western millionaires driving hugely expensive cars - after they were banned from Germany and Turkey.

Since its inception seven years ago the Rally, a seven day dash for the rich and famous, has shot across several continents without much incident.

There has been the odd speeding ticket but no diplomatic incident. Until now.

On route from London on Sunday on the 3,000 mile ‘cultural tour’, that costs £28,000 to enter, the Gumballers, made up of singers, models, actors and businessmen, including rapper Xzibit, model Caprice and Jamiroquai singer Jay Kay, along with their Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Rollers, were on their way to Frankfurt airport to be airlifted to Istanbul when they were pulled over by the German police at the border.

The officers took away the keys of the first 50 drivers and levied fines on each of them.

Despite months of negotiations with German authorities, who were more than happy to have the rally go through their country, one over-zealous officer seems to have taken it upon himself to send out a letter to all 17 countries involved, warning them that an “illegal race” was about to zoom through their streets.

The mix-up, it appears, occurred when the officer did not understand the word rally, so wrongly interpreted it as a race.

As a result Turkey refused to accept them and the 240 drivers in 120 cars, including ice-cream vans and London taxis, had to go straight to Greece after being held airside in Turkey for several hours and not being allowed into the country, disappointing a hundred thousand fans that were waiting along the official route.

In stark contrast Albania has bent over backwards to welcome them to their country, hoping the rally will boost tourism.

And the UN are also supporting the arrival of the petrol-heads, who were due to arrive in Albania this afternoon in an attempt to “highlight Albania’s potential as an eco and cultural tourism destination”.

In a letter sent to Gumball the UN Resident Coordinator said: “UN agencies in Albania are pleased to partner with the Gumball 3000 Rally.....This year, Albania has been included in the itinerary and we are pleased to work with you under the government of Albania’s hosting of this event to make the event a success for the country.”

The Albanian government have even upgraded and renovated a rickety wooden bridge as it was too steep for the low slung sports cars that were about to travel over it.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister refused to say how much the renovation cost.

The drivers have been invited to the President’s official residence for a sumptuous five course meal tonight.

Sali Berisha, the Albanian Prime Minister, said: “I was really impressed to know about Gumball 3000 Rally, and their initiative to include Albania in the tour of this year.

“I am delighted to confirm my Government support for such an interesting event that fits perfectly with our strategy to encourage international events and foreign visitors in Albania to explore its amazing cultural, natural and tourist potentials. “Therefore, I will be honoured to host the organisation of such reputable event in Albania. I guarantee the organisers for our highest esteem and willingness to fully support Gumball 3000 in its endeavour in Albania”.

In its seven-year history, the rally, organised by Maximillion Cooper, has mushroomed into a high-octane money-spinner.

Mr Cooper told Times Online today that the rally was not a race but a “cultural international tour that is officially organised with permission and support from each participating country's municipalities and Governmental departments; and is working closely with the Minister of Tourism in each region.”

He added: “All participating vehicles are abiding by all laws and road regulations of each country they are travelling through. Furthermore, contrary to the letter issued by the German Ministry of the Interior the event is not a competition nor a race and it not illegal whatsoever”.

He said that he had been working with the authorities in Berlin for a year and had got permission to to park and display the cars on May 4th, on the return leg of the journey, at the Brandenberg Gate.

“It would appear that the German authorities who issued the statement were not accurately informed of what the Gumball 3000 event is.”