Jul.16 (GMM) ‘Moscow’ was the word on F1 fanatics’ lips at the weekend.
On the last days off before the arduous Hockenheim-Hungary double header, Russia was the centre of the sport’s attention.
Although the coastal resort city Sochi will host the first Russian grand prix in 2014, modern F1 cars and current drivers including Lewis Hamilton demonstrated their wares on a temporary street circuit around the Kremlin.
“I think Moscow has an opportunity, I hope, in the future to put on a street race,” Briton Hamilton is quoted by Ria Novosti news agency.
Also in action for the Moscow City Racing event were Charles Pic (Marussia) and Ferrari tester Giancarlo Fisichella.
Moscow City Hall spokesman Vladimir Chernikov admitted he hopes it was a prelude to something more.
“Moscow really is ready to hold a formula one stage,” he said.
Meanwhile, at Moscow’s new F1 test-standard circuit Moscow Raceway, four time world champion Alain Prost said a street race in the Russian capital “could be possible”.
“I know that Bernie (Ecclestone) and some constructors would love it,” he said.
At Moscow Raceway, Red Bull’s F1 car was demonstrated as the track made its race debut for a round of the Formula Renault 3.5 series.
Russian grand prix driver Vitaly Petrov, meanwhile, showed off the Caterham, and Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo was also there.
