18/07/2010
NEWS STORY
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The Moscow government is aiming for a Formula 1 Grand Prix on the streets of Moscow for 2012. This was announced today by Mr. Vladimir Makarov, representative of the Moscow Government, during a press conference at the 3rd running of the Bavaria Moscow City Racing.
The engineering company Tilke is currently working on the design of the circuit which it is claimed will be the fastest street track in Formula 1, with speeds up to 320 km/hour.
Bavaria City Racing Moscow has evolved into a major event over the last three years. Despite the high temperatures in Moscow this year, a record number of spectators attended.
The first edition in 2008 attracted 10,000s of spectators. Last year, the Moscow police counted a little over 100,000 people and this year over 200,000 spectators visited the race track. On the back of that, some 600 international journalists and camera teams were present in the Russian capital.
Bavaria board member Peer Swinkels thanked all partners during the press conference, the city of Moscow, Independent Media and the Formula 1 teams, for their support in organizing Bavaria City Racing Moscow. "We have started three years ago with organizing this event in Moscow. Today's popularity demonstrates that the city is ready for the next step. We are proud of having been able to contribute in preparing Moscow for the first Grand Prix ever held here. That is our biggest reward. We are already looking forward to next year's edition."
Also, Derk Sauer, director of Bavaria City Racing Moscow, was pleased with Mr Makarov's plans. "A city like Moscow deserves its own Grand Prix. The contracts have not been signed yet, but a major step has been taken."
The highlight of the event saw reigning world champion Jenson Button drive his McLaren at over 200 km/hr through Moscow city centre.
He subsequently told the media: "I consider it a privilege to drive my Formula 1 car through the city centre of Moscow. This is not work, but pure fun."
Local hero Vitaly Petrov also burned rubber on the streets of the capital, the Russian at the wheel of his Renault.