MARRAKECH GP JOINS 2009 WTCC CALENDAR

Marrakech will host the World Touring Car Championship, one of only three car racing FIA World Championships, on a new, high-speed, and driver-challenging temporary street circuit in the heart of the red city, 1 - 3 May 2009.

The announcement comes after years of planning and the teaming of two young Moroccan entrepreneurs, Aly Horma and Islam Zahid, and D3 Motorsport Development, one of the world’s leading motorsport development companies.

The circuit, designed by D3 Motorsport Development, and its location, will be revealed shortly.

The Main construction will commence in July 2008, although the preliminary work on building the world-class paddock and pit areas has already begun.

The Marrakech Grand Prix street circuit will bring a major international car racing event to the people, and showcase the beautiful city of Marrakech and Morocco's unique culture to a worldwide audience. Eurosport, the official broadcaster of the FIA World Touring Car Championship, broadcasts the series to more than 112 million households across 59 countries delivering massive media exposure for event and series sponsors and partners.

This agreement also confirms WTCC’s growing popularity and continued expansion worldwide.

With the addition of the Race of Morocco to the 2009 WTCC calendar, the series will span four continents next year: the Americas, Africa, Europe and Asia.

More than 100,000 fans are expected to attend the 3-day Marrakech event; festivities will take place across the city throughout the week. Spectators will have a range of entry options from general admission to corporate hospitality, all with uninterrupted views of the action.

The economic impact this event will have on Marrakech and Morocco is unprecedented. In addition to attracting visitors and boosting tourism, the event will create hundreds of local jobs in the construction, supply, hospitality, entertainment and automotive industries.

The Marrakech Grand Prix website has been launched and is updated daily with new information. Visit www.marrakechgrandprix.com.