Formula Roadshow returns to Jerusalem after summer conflict [w/video]

[Haltech]

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ferrari, Middle East

Until recently, motor racing wasn't even legal in Israel.

There are many things that may come to mind when you think about Israel and its capital, Jerusalem. History, religion, security, conflict, peace... you might even think of the country's burgeoning high-tech sector or its aerospace industry. But racing? Hardly. Until recently, motor racing wasn't even legal in Israel. But Jerusalem's mayor Nir Barkat - a man who enjoys racing for more than just political office - set out to change that last year when he brought F1 cars to Israel for the first time in the country's long history.

The first Jerusalem Formula Roadshow was a big success, bringing former grand prix pilot Giancarlo Fisichella along with the Ferrari demonstration team, a Lotus Le Mans prototype, Audi DTM touring car and a smattering of other machinery to run along the streets that were once laid out for chariots and camels. Lining those ancient streets to catch a glimpse of the action were a solid quarter-million spectators from all of the city's diverse communities: Religious and secular, Jews, Muslims and Christians alike, united by their shared enthusiasm to put their fears and animosity to rest, if even just for a day or two.

Little wonder, then, that the mayor committed to recreating the success this year. Unfortunately outside influences had other plans: The prolonged skirmish in Gaza forced the event to be postponed, but once the hostilities subsided, the show was rescheduled for this week - in the middle of the Jewish high holiday season and immediately following the Muslim Eid al-Adha festival.

"Last year, the Jerusalem Formula Road Show attracted over 250,000 people to Jerusalem, significantly contributed to the city's economy and tourism, and gave the world a different perspective of the city," said Mayor Barkat. "The pictures of the Formula One cars racing through our streets sent an international message that Jerusalem is an open, welcoming city in which sport and entertainment are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike."Continue reading Formula Roadshow returns to Jerusalem after summer conflict [w/video]

Formula Roadshow returns to Jerusalem after summer conflict [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Oct 2014 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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