Racing cars take to the streets of Jerusalem

Jerusalem turned into a race track this week as for the first time, racing cars performed demonstration runs in The Holy City.

Several thousand fans gathered round the 2.8 Kilometre circuit as drivers including Giancarlo Fisichella, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Antonio Fuoco and two wheel stars Max Biaggi and Chris Pfeiffer took to the temporary circuit within the city walls.

Fisichella was the star attraction of the event driving a 2009 F60, the car he raced for the famous Italian team. Ferrari Challenge cars, a Lotus LMP2 car and Audi A4 DTM machine were also in attendance.

The event was intended to promote peace in the disputed city with Nir Barkat, mayor of Jerusalem and keen motorsport fan, believing that 'the love of sports can build a bridge between the people of Jerusalem, the region, and the world', according to a spokesperson.

Speaking to press ahead of the event, Mayor Barkat said "All people love motorsports, you'll see around the track Muslims and Christians and Jews from all neighbourhoods of Jerusalem who came to watch a sport they love, no politics".