Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat told Arutz Sheva on Monday that the city’s second annual Formula One is an appropriate answer to international criticism over Israel’s construction in its capital.

The race, which began Monday and will be held on Tuesday as well, features famous drivers like Giancarlo Fisichella, as well as four young Israeli drivers, headed by Roy Nissany.

More than a dozen teams from around the world are taking part in the race, including cars from Porsche, Ferrari and Audi.

“The beauty of Jerusalem is that it is possible to combine a lot of activities. Thousands of people are expected to come to the Western Wall next week for Sukkot and today and tomorrow about 300 thousand people are expected to come this unique event that places Jerusalem as a holy city on the one hand and, on the other hand, as a city with a live mix of new and old and all for one purpose – to bring some more people to Jerusalem,” Barkat said.

“Especially now, with the White House and the European Union’s criticism [of the construction in Jerusalem], we will hold the event. We were forced to postpone it over the summer because of Operation Protective Edge, but I insisted that Jerusalem resume its regular routine,” he added.

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