The Kremlin and Red Square are more used to attracting tourists than racecars. However, 20 lucky racing drivers had the ultimate experience of being able to race at speeds of up to 250km/h in electric cars around the very heart of Moscow.
They were taking part in the Formula E championship, with the Moscow leg the penultimate race in the season’s calendar, before it moves to London for a double header, where the championship will be decided.
Fans packed alongside the Moscow River and the walls of the Kremlin to get a glimpse of the cars whizzing past. The organizers stated that over 10,000 fans came out to watch the event unfold in what it is hoped will become a regular fixture in the Formula E race calendar.
“This location is absolutely unique and I was absolutely amazed and proud that the organizers were able to hold the Formula E championship in 10 of the best cities in the world and Moscow was one of them,” FIA President Jean Todt said, speaking to RT.
The electric cars can race at speeds of up to 250km/h, with the added bonus is that they are quiet and do not emit any harmful emissions. They might not be at the same level as Formula 1 cars at the moment, but Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi, who finished second in the race, behind his fellow countryman, Nelson Piquet Jr., says he is impressed at how electric car racing is progressing.
“The car will gain speed and is becoming faster every year. For sure in five years’ time we will have the same speed as Formula 1,” Di Grassi said.
Russia’s biggest motorsport event, the Sochi Formula 1 Grand Prix, will take place in October. Last year, the southern Russian city held its maiden championship race, which was won by Britain’s Lewis Hamilton.
There had been rumors that the 2015 Sochi Grand Prix could be boycotted, with some critics unhappy about Russia’s perceived role in the Ukraine conflict. However, Todt said there was no way the event would not go ahead.
“Who could organize a boycott of the Russian Grand Prix, how would this happen?” Todt told the Tass news agency. “Last year before the Sochi leg there were some discussions, but these were on the back of a political crisis. There were political appeals from a few people, which did not get anywhere.”