23/08/2005
NEWS STORY
On Sunday, 28 August, the Renault F1 Team will touch down in Moscow for an all-action city-centre Formula 1 demonstration, conducted by Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella. Including a demanding, twisting course, famous sights, a flotilla of yachts and events on the Moskva river, it will bring a dash of Monaco glamour to the Russian capital!
A mere stone's throw from the Kremlin, both drivers will wow the crowds with the Renault F1 R24 around a specially-constructed city-centre circuit; to be followed by high-performance runs in the Mégane Renault Sport, with rally ace Jean Ragnotti entertaining the crowds at the wheel of the Clio RS.
The event will mark the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team's second visit to the Russian capital after a successful demonstration run in October 2003 attended by 50,000 spectators. This weekend, they will be welcomed to the heart of the city on a specially-constructed circuit that includes the famous Moskvoretsky bridge in front of the Kremlin, and the riverside streets around the Rossia Concert Hall – which will give the fans a unique opportunity of seeing a Formula 1 car up close, and let the drivers demonstrate the car's performance to the crowds.
But the R24 will not be the only flavour of F1 in Moscow. A flotilla of yachts on the city's main river will create an atmosphere reminiscent of Formula One's crown jewel race in Monaco, while an aquabike display on the river will also keep spectators entertained when the action pauses on the track.
"I am really looking forward to the event," enthused world championship leader Fernando Alonso. "The passion of the crowds was amazing last time we came to Moscow, and I am sure this will be an even bigger event – it will be a great opportunity for them to see the speed of the car up close and hear the amazing noise. We will be driving in front of the Kremlin as well, and from the cockpit, I think it will feel a bit like Monaco to be running on the banks of the river on a tight circuit. I can't wait to get back to the city as well – last time we were there, it was in winter and I couldn't stop taking pictures, so I am sure it will be even more spectacular in the summer-time. I think it will be a great show!"
Team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella was equally enthusiastic: "This will be my first visit to Moscow, but I am really looking forward to seeing the city and driving the car there. Everybody knows the Kremlin throughout the world, so to say we have driven round it in a Formula 1 car will be something unique for me and Fernando!"
Most importantly, the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Grand Prix in Moscow will be a free for all event. Spectators will be offered the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and Formula One – and a touch of its glamour – completely free of charge. It is another step in Renault's determination to open Formula 1 to the outside world, and take spectators to the very heart of the spectacular action of Grand Prix racing.