THUMBS UP FOR MARRAKECH STREET CIRCUIT

Author: Natalie Dickson, D3 Press Release
Date: 07 May, 2010

It was a weekend of positive circuit and facility reviews from drivers, teams and series after the 2010 Race of Morocco was held in Marrakech at the weekend. Attendance for the weekend was recorded at 103,000 people.

FIA World Touring Car Championship BMW driver Andy Priaulx won an action packed race two and commented that, "the circuit was in great condition, better then last year. I won the race so of course I am happy!” He went on to say that, “the total atmosphere of Marrakech has been great, and the event itself is really nice with some improvements since last year.”

First timers to this circuit, support series Formula 2 had a thrilling and chaotic first race on the Marrakech temporary street circuit. Race winner Dean Stoneman was impressed with the circuit, “I think it’s great, a very good track. I’d love to come here again! It’s great having a mixture of long straights and quiet tight hairpins, it makes for an interesting race.”

A highlight of the weekend was the visit from Formula One management CEO Bernie Eccelstone, who commented that he “wanted to visit Marrakech for a long time, and I took the opportunity to do it while it is hosting an international race meeting. I have to say that I was impressed by the track and facilities they have built, which are very nice and suit the WTCC well.”

Unfortunately the racing itself, for all series involved, was limited with the amount of multi-car accidents causing yellow flags. This was accentuated by the extended time taken to clear cars and debris from the circuit to proceed with a green flag.

Despite the racing disappointments teams were very happy with the facilities. “I think everything’s fantastic! The circuit has been done well and the paddock, this big area here, is well presented and we’re all lined up well I think we look very good. Drivers asked if circuit would be bumpy – but generally speaking the asphalt’s good, and looking down the front straight I thought it looked a bit narrow but that’s just the reality of this type of racing on a street circuit,” said Dave Fuff of Formula 2 Team India.

For more information on all the weekends’ action please visit:
www.fiawtcc.com
www.formulatwo.com