Romanian Prime Minister visits Bucharest City Challenge

On the opening day of the second Bucharest City Challenge (August 22nd - 24th, 2008), Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu visited the circuit. He was welcomed by Hartmut Beyer, C.E.O. of Bucharest-Ring s.r.l., who initiated the race event around the Palace of the Parliament.

The politician enjoyed the sight of the high-powered machines from the FIA GT Championship at the 3.1 kilometres long circuit on the prestigious boulevards of Bucharest. Then, he got a first-hand experience of the track almost at race speed himself when he was taken around for a passenger ride with the Corvette, the official Safety Car and Leading Car of the FIA GT Championship. "It was really enjoyable", he reported afterwards.

After that, the Prime Minister had a tour of the paddock and pit lane, where he had the opportunity to have a closer look at the cars and meet up with drivers, representatives of the race teams. The Prime Minister was guided through the paddock by race promoter Hartmut Beyer and Patricia Kiefer, general manager of SRO Motorsports Group, the organisation behind the FIA GT Championship and the British Formula 3 championship.

Prime Minister Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu made positive comments about the event. "It was well promoted and it is a good thing for our country. Motorsport is very popular in Romania. Just like football, people are very enthusiastic and will always love this sport."

"It is a great honour for us that the Prime Minister came to visit us", said Hartmut Beyer. "Our event is a way to promote Romania and its beautiful capital by organising a major sporting event that attracts media representatives from all over the world."