Wheels: Formula One Exhibition to Be Held in Jerusalem

Ronen Topelberg A 2009 Ferrari F60, showcased in Jerusalem.

JERUSALEM — Although grand prix racing started in Europe, it has recently expanded to Singapore, South Korea, India, the United States and is scheduled to spread to Russia next year. And this week, Formula One cars will run through the streets of this city.

While not a full-scale competition, the exhibition, being called the Peace Road Show, goes beyond typical demonstration events like the one Lotus recently held in Manila or that Red Bull will hold in Durban this weekend. While these spectacles typically revolve around a single team showcasing its cars in a parking lot, the exhibition here will be held on the streets, showcasing a wider variety of cars.

The event, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, will include Ferrari and Marussia Motors Formula One cars, a Lotus Le Mans prototype, an Audi DTM racecar, several Ferrari Challenge racers and motorcycles. Drivers in the event include Giancarlo Fisichella and Vitantonio Liuzzi, former Formula One drivers, and Max Biaggi, a MotoGP rider. The route starts at the city’s Ottoman-era train station and passes landmarks like the King David Hotel and the walls of the Old City.

Ronen Topelberg Red Bull’s Audi DTM will be one of the cars at the Jerusalem Formula One exhibition.

The event was previewed at the restored railway station on Monday, and the cars are on display there.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be proud of showcasing Jerusalem with the Formula Peace Road Show in the center of the city,” said Nir Barkat, the city’s mayor. “It is the first time that such a road show exists in our country, so we’re breaking new ground.”

Mr. Barkat, standing in front of the 2009 Ferrari F60 that Scuderia Ferrari shipped in for the event, said spectators would effectively become ambassadors for the city.

“Jerusalem has huge potential,” he said. “It’s a city which is the center of the world for people of all faiths, and in many ways what we’re doing is opening Jerusalem up for the benefit of the world to enjoy,” he said.