Jerusalem turns racetrack for F1 Peace Roadshow

The Ferrari and Marussia Formula 1 teams were gearing up to join the first Jerusalem F1 Peace Roadshow today, which will see them roaring around the Holy City at speeds of up to 240 kilometres (150 miles) per hour.

Tens of thousands of spectators were expected to flock to the event, which will see some of the world’s fastest cars tearing up the streets on an 2.8-kilometre (1.7 mile) circuit which passes below the walls of the Old City.

Large areas of the city were roped off ahead of the event which will feature at least seven international car racing names, as well as top Superbike and stunt riding champions.

Ahead of the two-day roadshow, police boosted security in and around the city, deploying 600 officers to secure the course and the surrounding area.

Three-time F1 Grand Prix winner Giancarlo Fisichella will be driving for Ferrari, and Venezuela’s Rodolfo Gonzalez, who was recently named to the Marussia F1 team, will also take part.

Max Biaggi, former world Superbike champion will also be riding as will world stunt riding champion Chris Pfeiffer, organisers said.

Asked why the event was billed as a “peace roadshow”, municipal spokeswoman Brachie Sprung said: “This unprecedented event in Jerusalem will enable spectators from all backgrounds and religions to gather together in awe and admiration of this momentous road show.

“Mayor (Nir) Barkat strongly believes that the love of sports can build a bridge between the people of Jerusalem, the region, and the world,” she said in a statement emailed to AFP.