Marrakesh, Morocco (TMT)- Morocco will be hosting the world championship of electric cars (Formula E) following a tripartite agreement signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the MDJS, and Association My El Hassan Circuit Internationale.
The agreement was signed last Friday in Marrakesh, and comes on the sidelines of Morocco organizing in the coming month the COP22, the 22nd session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will take place in Marrakesh on November 7-18.
The official sporting opening event of COP22 – the 2016 FIA Formula E Marrakesh ePrix, will take place on November 12.
This will hallmark the first time Formula E visits the continent of Africa.
The CEO of Formula E, Alejandro Agag, was caught jovial in the wake of the organization of the event in Marrakesh.
“We are delighted to be racing in Marrakesh – the first time that Formula E has raced on the African continent, which shows how we have evolved into a truly global championship. The event has even greater significance as we are here as one of the official partners of COP22. Formula E fully understands the challenges and risks that climate change presents, and to be a part of the most significant forum for tackling this problem is a huge honour,” said Alejandro Agag.
Jean Todt, President of the FIA, said: “Formula E is a great example of an FIA championship among the Federation’s two main pillars – sport and mobility. We are delighted that Formula E has decided to become a partner of COP22 on the occasion of the first edition of the Marrakesh ePrix. As part of the FIA mission to promote clean transport systems available to all, we are looking to encourage the development and adoption of sustainable technologies. Formula E is a fantastic laboratory that will enable the development of ‘clean technologies for all’.”
Said Mouline, CEO of Moroccan Agency for the Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, said: “The Formula E Marrakesh ePrix on November 12 is an official COP22-certified event and will be a magnificent occasion to demonstrate that electric mobility has reached an excellent level of maturity and that its development is up to determined policies by nation-states. Electric mobility is now also reaching Africa where huge opportunities exist.”
The Formula E drivers will be battling it out around the Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, subject to FIA track homologation. The 2.97km anti-clockwise circuit has previously hosted other motorsport events, including the WTCC Race of Morocco.
Jose Maria Lopez, three-time WTCC champion and DS Virgin Racing driver, said: “I’ve raced in Marrakesh for three years already with WTCC. As with all street circuits it’s going to be tricky. I’m used to WTCC cars which need more space, so with a Formula E event the track will feel wider. You don’t have a lot of big straight lines here, so there’ll be plenty of fighting for small overtaking gaps – I’m really looking forward to it. Racing on a familiar track in a Formula E car will help bring a new dynamic to my race experience – I hope it leads to success!”
Tickets will be available to purchase in the coming weeks, with eVillage tickets costing €15 and unreserved grandstand tickets priced at €50.
The Moroccan Times.
