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Olympiacos fans roar with approval |
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Sunday, 07 October 2007 |
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FANS ROAR OF APPROVAL FOR OLYMPIACOS
SUPERLEAGUE FORMULA ENTRY
International road racing may seem
like an entirely new sport to many Greek sporting fans, but after
this weekend's introduction of the Olympiacos Superleague Formula
entry, it appears the sport already has a passionate new group of
supporters.
One of the original teams announced at the launch of Superleague
Formula earlier this year, Olympiacos unveiled its 750-horsepower,
V-12 powered machine to its players at the club's training ground
yesterday and followed that up today by giving its fans their first
look at the red and white machine.
The spectacular colour-scheme was presented at Karaiskákis
Stadium this evening prior to Olympiacos' match against Apollon
Thessalonikis.
Superleague Formula President and CEO Alex Andreu also was interviewed
on the pitch prior to the game.
"We are introducing a new sport to many fans in Greece but
judging from the reaction so far, the Olympiacos car is going to
be very well supported," Andreu said.
"We had more than 60 media including nine television cameras
attending yesterday's unveiling – the level of interest here
is really outstanding.
"The roar of the fans tonight was also incredible. The Olympiacos
supporters are very passionate about every sport they compete in
– that will be the same for Superleague Formula."
Olympiacos joins leading international rivals AC Milan, PSV Eindhoven,
FC Porto, Borussia Dortmund, RSC Anderlecht and Flamengo on the
grid so far. A total of 20 clubs will line up for the first race
in August, 2008.
The fans support for the club's newest sporting activity has been
mirrored by the footballers including new star striker Lomana Tresor
LuaLua who tried the Olympiacos Superleague Formula car on for size
yesterday.
"I have only been here a short while but I have learnt about
the passion of the Olympiacos fans," the former Portsmouth,
Newcastle United and Colchester United star said.
"I am sure they will be just as passionate about their racing
team.
"I am glad I am a footballer and not a driver – these
cars are tough to squeeze into!"
A crowd of more than 35,000 spectators were on hand at Karaiskákis
Stadium to see the unveiling tonight and witness Olympicos win their
Greek league match 1-0.
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