Motor city Motor city

Formula 1 races into Jerusalem

Vehicles set to take part in motor contest later this week presented at exhibit in city's Old Train Station Compound

By Adiv Sterman
  • Adiv Sterman is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel.
 9 June 2013, 11:22 pm
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat with Ferrari technical crew members next to a Ferrari Formula 1 racing car, on display at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, June 9, 2013. (photo credit: Flash 90)

A special exhibit featuring Formula 1 cars and Grand Prix motorcycles was launched Sunday at the Old Train Station Compound in Jerusalem, ahead of the “Formula Jerusalem — A Peace Journey” showcase, which will take place in the city later this week.

The vehicle models, all of which are expected to take part in the ride around the capital, will be on display until the contest’s official kickoff date on June 13.

“We’re making history,” Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat said at a press conference marking the launch of the motor event in the city.

“The scenery of Jerusalem blends together well with one of the leading fields in the world. We will surely enter a unique phase for people who are car enthusiasts, as during this week the exhibition will be open to everyone.”

The Formula Jerusalem race itself, aimed at highlighting peace and coexistence, may be attended by fans for free, although tickets can be purchased for grandstand seats starting at NIS 350 ($100) and up.

A Ferrari technical crew member prepares a Ferrari Formula One racing cars for display prior to the opening of a racing car and motorcycle exhibition held at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, on June 9, 2013 (photo credit: Flash90)

A worker cleans a Ferrari racing car as he prepares it for display prior to the opening of a racing car and motorcycle exhibition held at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, on June 9, 2013 (photo credit: Flash90)

A Lotus technical crew member prepares a Lotus LMP2 for display, prior to the opening of a racing car and motorcycle exhibition held at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, on June 9, 2013 (photo credit: Flash90)

Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat with Ferrari technical crew members next to a Ferrari Formula 1 racing car, on display at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, June 9, 2013. (photo credit: Flash 90)

A Ferrari technical crew member takes a photograph of Ferrari Formula One racing cars, on display during a racing car and motorcycle exhibition held at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, on June 9, 2013 (photo credit: Flash90)

A Ferrari technical crew member stands next to a Ferrari Formula One racing car, on display during a racing car and motorcycle exhibition held at the Old Jerusalem Train Station, on June 9, 2013 (photo credit: Flash90)

“Jerusalem now has a great opportunity to combine culture and sports with tourism,” Barkat added. “Motor sport is the world’s second-largest sport after soccer, and that is a great privilege for us.”

The total cost of the events is estimated at NIS 15 million ($4.14 million) and is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of spectators from Israel and around the world.

Similar Formula 1 showcases have been hosted in New York, Moscow, Sao Paulo and Macau.

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