World Touring Cars drive into Moscow
Published 09 September, 2008, 06:52
The World Touring Car Championships could be coming to Russia. The sport’s governing body hopes to hold a leg of the calendar somewhere in Russia from 2010. To raise awareness, the sports governing body held a promotional event in Red Square.
Fans had a chance to see a number of different cars – including the Russian team Lada.
Lada is new to the World Touring car scene, but they are already starting to make an impact.
Ordinary cars
The inaugural World Touring Car Championships was held in 1987, but a fear that it might trigger an exodus of investment from Formula One, led to its abolishment till 2005.
A major selling point of the sport is that unlike Formula One, the cars used in the World Touring Car Championship are similar to those that can be bought in an ordinary car dealership.
World Touring Cars still have a long way to go – to get a foot-hold in the Russian market. But a Russian team and drivers are sure to help its development.
There are three cities bidding to host the event, Moscow, St. Petersburg and the home of Lada, Tolyatti.
The chance of racing past the Kremlin and Red Square or the Hermitage in St. Petersburg – could make Russia's leg of the championship, one of the most picturesque and memorable.
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