Morocco street circuit taking shape

With event week fast approaching for the inaugural Race of Morocco FIA World Touring Car Championship, construction of the temporary street circuit is well under way! The D3 Motorsport Development team has been on the ground in Marrakech since early January to manage the implementation of this exciting circuit in the heart of the red city. More than 2500 concrete impact blocks have been poured since November 2008, with 90% of these installed so far to form the 4.54km race track. To top these impact blocks, 2485 debris fence panels have been manufactured to ensure the highest standard of safety in motor sport.

D3 Operations Director Heath Dickson says, “The construction of this circuit to date has been smooth, it certainly helps having one of the countries largest construction companies Groupe Menara beside us ensuring we have all the equipment and labor we need to get this circuit ready!"

Located just 10mins from the action packed city centre in the upmarket housing and hotel district of Agdal, this event brings international car racing to the streets of Marrakech.

“Street circuits can be disruptive to local business and residents, so we are thankful for the support and patience of those who live and work in the Agdal area," Mr. Dickson continued.

D3’s pinnacle of construction has been the installation of their custom designed temporary pit building. Comprising of 3 levels this steel structure has been manufactured and is currently being installed in the Marrakech Grand Prix paddock area.

The 162m long structure has 5000 square meters of hospitality space, providing plenty of first-class corporate suites. The ground floor is dedicated to team garages, while an independently standing, four level control tower will house the operational hub of the event.

With the race date set for 1st-3rd May the next few weeks brings an intense schedule of construction to ensure the final homologation of the circuit.

“We are very confident with the progress that’s been made with circuit construction to date. It’s a full construction schedule from now until the race, but we know the Moroccan’s are doing a great job and will get this finished," said Mr. Dickson.