The mayor also credited the Jerusalem Formula One peace road show to cyber security specialist Eugene Kaspersky, best known for discovering the Stuxnet virus infecting the Iranian military’s computers. His company, Kaspersky Lab, has sponsored Formula One races and the pair teamed up to bring the high-powered sport to Israel.
Several noted motorsport stars participated in the show, including Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella with more than 80 Formula One races under his belt, motorcycle stunt rider Chris Pfeiffer, and Max Biaggi, winner of the World Superbike Championship in 2010 and 2012. They were all thrilled to be displaying their skills and supercharged vehicles in sight of Jerusalem’s famed Old City walls.“Jumping in to a Formula One car anywhere is a fantastic feeling, but I think today will be incredible,” said Fisichella. “It’s special to be part of this historic day for the city and for peace. I am really proud about it.”And the mayor’s predictions about Jews and Arabs alike enjoying the show were quite accurate, as the two kilometer circular course was lined with spectators from all sectors of Israeli society.“This event is good for the peace between Israelis and Palestinians,” 21- year old Ishmael told The Jerusalem Post Christian Edition. “You can see both Arabs and Israelis on the streets watching the show, and it’s good that they are watching it together.”“I think it’s very nice,” concurred 18- year old Noam. “This is something that has never happened in Jerusalem or in Israel before. It will unite people, secular, religious and Arabs... I am proud of our mayor; he has done so much for the city and this is very good for young people.”Barkat is optimistic for the future of the Jerusalem Formula One event and for his city.“The first time is always the hardest, but in the next few years, when we will upgrade the show, it’s going to be easier,” he said. “Jerusalem is very dynamic, thrilling... It’s a fusion of history and modernity.“With the light festival [which took place in the Old City], the Euro 21 final, the Maccabiah games, the Jerusalem Marathon and with many other initiatives in Jerusalem, we are breaking through [the isolation] and returning to the role Jerusalem played 2,000 to 3,000 years ago as a destination for pilgrims and tourists around the world."