There are places you can picture F1 cars racing in the Middle East. Like Abu Dhabi, or even Istanbul if you want to stretch the definition. But Jerusalem? You may think of the ancient city more for its political turmoil or religious significance, but its mayor is intent on turning those notions on their head. And part of that includes an F1 event. While not a competitive grand prix, the upcoming Jerusalem Peace Road Show will be the first F1 event to take place in the millennia-old city. And Ferrari is the first team to sign on.

Previewed by Mayor Nir Barkat and Ferrari's Giancarlo Fisichella, the event will take place on June 13, setting up a makeshift street circuit that will stretch 2.4 kilometers alongside the Old City walls, making it more complex than the usual fenced-in parking lot typically used for these exposition events.