ST. PETERSBURG (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 07th December, 2018) The Russian city of St. Petersburg will host on Friday one of the most anticipated events in the world of motor sport, the annual International automobile Federation (FIA) Prize-Giving ceremony, which will be attended, in particular, by Kremlin officials and Formula One drivers, and have an itinerary filled with concerts and performances.
The FIA Prize-Giving ceremony, which has been held annually since 2011, is the traditional closing event of the FIA Annual General Assembly week and has already been hosted by a number of cities, including Doha, Istanbul, Monaco, New Delhi and Vienna.
During this year's event, about 60 people are expected to be awarded prizes for their achievements in motor sport.
"For the first time the big Annual Assembly and the FIA Prize-Giving ceremony is happening in Russia. It is a remarkable event within the motor sport community. The FIA traditionally gathers once a year on this occasion that sees champions from every major branch of international motor sport gather together to receive their official FIA awards," Hans-Joachim Frey, the artistic and stage director of the ceremony, told Sputnik.
According to Frey, the event will be attended by all Formula One drivers, including four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, representatives of St. Petersburg's administration and Kremlin officials.
"During the ceremony we will hear the St. Petersburg State Capella Choir and fantastic brass players of the St. Petersburg Music House. Additionally, we have prepared a big surprise, which is a ballet performance. At the end of it the dancers will form a shape of an F1 car with their bodies," Frey stated.
He also expressed hope that the event would help Russia dispel rumors surrounding the country's image on the global stage.
"These events help Russia to fight stereotypes that exist around the world and prove that rumors of Russia's isolation are just rumors. Russia hosted the World Cup this year and now it is hosting another major event. What other proof do we need?" Frey wondered.
The event will be held at St. Petersburg's Great Philharmonic Hall.
