It's All Go in Ramallah

The existence of the State of Palestine may casue a certain amount of discussion in political circles, but there is no doubt that a new country is gradually becoming a reality under the guidance of the Palestinian Authority. Motorsport in Palestine began as long ago as 2005 when the first events were held in Ramallah and Jericho. Two years later the Palestinian Motor Sport and Motorcycle Federation (PMSMF) was recognised by the FIA. Today there is a five-event series of trials that are held on closed streets and in car parks in the West Bank territory.

There is even a group of women racers, known as the Speed Sisters, who have attracted plenty of international coverage, thanks to support and training from the British Consulate in Jerusalem, which paid for race suites, car preparation and offered training, hosted by British racer Helen Elstrop, to improve the techniques of the local women. The scheme was instigated by British Political Consul Karen McLuskie and is part of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's "See Britian through my Eyes" camaign, which aims to commujnicate a more modern, dynamic image of the UK,in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics. McLuskie said: ""When I came to Palestine and saw women racing, I thought it was a great project to encourage that gives women a chance to express themselves and prove they are not ignored or marginalised."

The PMSMF is also helping to promote a revolutionary compressed air pneumatic energy that has been created by Emad Ahmad Saleh Hasuneh, a 36-year-old Palestinian inventor, who has devised a car powered by air that can travel at 75pmh.