In Yalta, President Viktor Yanukovych attended an opening of the IRC series Prime Yalta Rally 2011, according to the Press office of President Viktor Yanukovych.
Viktor Yanukovych congratulated those taking part in the rally and motorsports fans on the start of the competition.
"Today, Ukraine hosts this prestigious international championship. 87 teams from 21 countries take part in it," Viktor Yanukovych said.
He said that Prime Yalta Rally becoming a stage of the International Racing Championship suggests that Ukrainian motorsports is gaining credibility in the world. “Ukraine is becoming more open to the world, to tourists, whom we will always welcome on our Ukrainian land," he added.
Viktor Yanukovych wished all the participants victories, and great pleasure from watching the event to all the fans.
He then declared the rally started and watched the teams starting off for the race.
The President also talked to Automobile Federation of Ukraine President Yevhen Chervonenko, who informed that live coverage of the race will be 6.5 hours, broadcast in 59 countries with an audience of 300 million viewers.
Yevhen Chervonenko stressed the importance of holding such events in Ukraine in the context of promoting Crimea. "We think it is very important. We have found a way to execute your program for the development of Crimea through this rally," he said.
