An international motor rally codenamed "International Silk Road Rally" started on Friday at Moscow's Red Square, attended by nearly 130 race cars from 30 countries.
This year's 15-session rally covers a length of 10,000 kilometers, crossing a vast land of Russia, Kazakhstan and China. Expected to end on July 24 and destined for China's capital Beijing, the rally would give racers a new adventurous view through the extraordinary scenery and cultures along the ancient Silk Road.
In a letter sent to congratulate the opening of the rally, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the rally would test the skills, patience and resolve of all professional and amateur attendees.
According to director of the rally Vladimir Chugin, racers would face with lots of difficulties, including the hot weather in Kazakhstan and the poor road conditions.
The International Silk Road Rally was firstly held in 2009, while this year is the first time for the racers to cross the vast Eurasian land.
As an important international competition held jointly by China and Russia, the rally is expected to positively advance the sports cooperation among countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong said on July 4 during her visit to Russia.
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