Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan
Location
Marrakech, Morocco
Current Local Time
Track Info
Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan - Marrakesh, Morocco
Compact semi-permanent circuit in Marrakesh's hotel district - known for touring cars, Formula E and racing beside the city's historic walls
When was the track built?
The original circuit was created in 2009 using roads through Marrakesh's modern hotel district. Its first major meeting was the Race of Morocco on 3 May 2009.
That event was Morocco's first international car race since the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix in Casablanca. The original course measured approximately 4.5 km and used long straights divided by chicanes.
How has the circuit changed?
The early street course was extremely fast and offered limited space beyond the barriers. A major redesign by Tilke Engineers produced a shorter and more technical circuit for 2016.
The redevelopment created a permanent inner track that can operate throughout the year. For larger events, extra sections extend onto surrounding streets to form the 2.971 km international layout.
What's the circuit like?
- Flat and compact: There are few elevation changes, so drivers rely on barriers, signs and braking boards to identify each corner.
- Repeated heavy braking: Short straights lead into tight corners, placing considerable pressure on the brakes and front tyres.
- Close barriers: Concrete walls and safety fencing leave little space for mistakes, particularly on the street sections.
- Hot conditions: Strong sun and high track temperatures can reduce tyre grip and make cooling difficult.
What races here?
- Touring cars: WTCC, WTCR and the FIA TCR World Tour have provided close racing with production-based cars.
- Formula E: Electric single-seaters competed in Marrakesh five times between 2016 and 2022.
- Moroccan championships: National car-racing events give local drivers access to a modern permanent venue.
- Karting: A separate year-round kart track supports public sessions, group events and driver development.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Permanent-circuit race lap: 50.613 - Ma Qinghua in a Lynk & Co 03 FL TCR, 2024.
- Permanent-circuit qualifying: 49.641 - Yann Ehrlacher in a Lynk & Co 03 FL TCR, 2024.
- Formula E race lap: 1:20.296 - Lucas di Grassi in an Audi e-tron FE05, 2019.
- Original street circuit: 1:28.450 - Narain Karthikeyan in an Auto GP Lola, 2013.
These records use three different layouts, so the lap times cannot be compared directly.
Why go?
Moulay El Hassan combines international motorsport with a city-centre atmosphere. The circuit sits beside hotels, palm trees and Marrakech's distinctive red architecture, with views towards the Atlas Mountains.
The medina and traditional souks are only a short journey away, making the circuit easier to include in a wider visit than many remote motorsport venues.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Main grandstand: Best for race starts, pit activity, grid preparation and the chequered flag.
- First braking zone: Good for crowded opening laps and drivers attempting to pass under braking.
- Technical inner section: Watch cars rapidly change direction between closely connected corners.
- Hairpin areas: Best for slow-corner battles, locked brakes and cars struggling for traction.
- Paddock: Useful for viewing the cars and teams when public access is included with the event.
The international course is partly temporary, so its layout, street closures, entrances and spectator areas may change between events. Marrakesh can also be very hot and sunny, so bring water and suitable sun protection.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan (Morocco)
Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan is in Marrakech's Agdal district, just south of the historic city centre. Unlike most race circuits, it is surrounded by hotels and city streets, making taxis the easiest option. Marrakech railway station and Marrakech-Menara Airport are both only a short road journey away.
Taxi & getting around Marrakech
For most visitors, a taxi is the simplest way to reach Moulay El Hassan. The circuit is inside Marrakech rather than on the outskirts of the region.
- From the Medina: the circuit is only a few kilometres south in the Agdal hotel district.
- From Guéliz: allow additional time when city traffic is busy.
- Destination: ask for “Circuit Moulay El Hassan” or “Route de l'Ourika, Agdal”.
- Major events: temporary road closures may mean your driver cannot reach the normal entrance.
Keeping the circuit's name and location saved on your phone can help when explaining the destination to a driver.
Driving to the circuit
Driving is possible, but visitors staying in central Marrakech generally do not need a rental car purely for the event.
- From central Marrakech: head south towards Agdal and Route de l'Ourika.
- Navigation: search for “Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan”.
- Event weekends: follow temporary signs because parts of the international layout use surrounding roads.
- Road closures: allow extra time because normal approaches can change when the street sections are prepared for racing.
The official location is Zone Touristique Agdal, Route de l'Ourika, Marrakech, Morocco.
Coming by train
Marrakech Railway Station is the main rail gateway for visitors arriving from elsewhere in Morocco.
- Take an ONCF train to Marrakech.
- Continue by taxi from the station directly to the Agdal district.
- Allow extra time on race day in case temporary traffic restrictions are operating around the circuit.
Marrakech is currently the southern end of Morocco's main passenger railway network, with direct connections towards Casablanca and onward connections for Rabat, Tangier and other cities.
Flying in
Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) is extremely convenient for the circuit, with only around 6 km separating the two locations.
- Taxi: the simplest direct option from the terminal.
- Airport Bus 19: connects the airport with central Marrakech if you want to travel to your hotel first.
- Rental car: useful for a longer Moroccan road trip, but usually unnecessary if you are staying in Marrakech.
- Race day: allow additional time if road closures are in force around Agdal.
Because the airport, hotels and circuit are all relatively close together, Marrakech is one of the easier international motorsport destinations to visit without hiring a car.
Parking
The permanent circuit and exhibition complex has its own parking, although spectator arrangements can change substantially for a major race weekend.
- Normal venue use: the circuit has dedicated on-site parking and a private access road.
- Major races: temporary spectator parking areas may be introduced.
- Street closures: some roads around the circuit can become part of the race venue.
- Follow event instructions: use the parking and entrance information issued with your ticket.
If you are staying in Marrakech, using a taxi can be easier than dealing with event parking and road closures.
Where to stay
Moulay El Hassan is surrounded by hotels, making accommodation much easier than at most motorsport venues.
- Agdal: closest to the circuit and ideal if motorsport is the main purpose of your visit.
- Medina: best for traditional Marrakech, restaurants and sightseeing while remaining only a short taxi ride away.
- Guéliz: a modern central district convenient for the railway station, restaurants and nightlife.
Staying in Agdal can make it possible to avoid long race-day transfers altogether, depending on your hotel and event entrance.
Understanding the circuit
Moulay El Hassan is unusual because it combines permanent motorsport infrastructure with sections that extend onto Marrakech's surrounding streets.
- Opened: 2009.
- Major redesign: completed in 2016.
- International layout: approximately 2.971 km.
- Licence: built to FIA Grade 2 standards.
- Permanent section: approximately 1.8 km can operate independently throughout the year.
- Major events: the circuit has hosted WTCC/WTCR, TCR World Tour and Formula E.
The layout you see during a major international race can therefore look different from the permanent circuit visible during the rest of the year.
Race-day tips
- Check the event calendar: the circuit does not run a major international race every weekend.
- Expect road closures: the international layout can incorporate surrounding streets.
- Use a taxi if possible: it removes the need to find event parking.
- Prepare for heat and sun: Marrakech can be very warm and many spectator areas are exposed.
- Bring hearing protection: particularly for children and spectators close to the track.
- Save the destination: Circuit Moulay El Hassan, Zone Touristique Agdal, Route de l'Ourika, Marrakech.
For a first visit, staying in Agdal, the Medina or Guéliz and taking a taxi to the circuit is the easiest plan. Visitors arriving by train or air can also reach the venue without needing a rental car.
Parking, spectator entrances, road closures and public transport can change for major events because part of the international circuit uses surrounding streets. Check the official Circuit International de Marrakech event information before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan (Marrakech, Morocco)
Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan brings motorsport into the heart of Marrakech, close to the city's famous medina and with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Touring cars and Formula E have raced here, while palaces, gardens, traditional markets and mountain scenery make it easy to turn a motorsport visit into a longer Moroccan city break.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Menara Gardens: A large historic garden built around an enormous reflecting pool, with the Atlas Mountains visible behind it on clear days.
- Majorelle Garden: A colourful botanical garden famous for its intense blue buildings, unusual plants and peaceful paths away from the busy medina.
- Jemaa el-Fna: Marrakech's famous central square becomes especially lively toward evening with food stalls, performers and crowds filling the surrounding streets.
Culture & rainy-day winners
- Bahia Palace: Explore decorated courtyards, carved wood, colourful tilework and gardens inside one of Marrakech's best-known historic buildings.
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Located beside Majorelle Garden, the museum explores the designer's work and his long connection with Marrakech.
- Saadian Tombs: These richly decorated royal tombs date mainly from the Saadian period and provide an easy introduction to the city's history.
Eat & drink around Marrakech
- Try tanjia: This slow-cooked meat dish is particularly associated with Marrakech and is traditionally prepared in a clay pot.
- Jemaa el-Fna: Evening food stalls offer grilled meats, soups, breads and other Moroccan dishes in one of the city's liveliest settings.
- Try Moroccan mint tea: Sweet green tea with mint is served throughout the city and is an easy introduction to local café culture.
- Medina rooftops: Rooftop cafés and restaurants provide a quieter place to eat while looking across the old city toward the Koutoubia minaret.
Get outdoors away from the circuit
- Menara Gardens: Close enough to central Marrakech for an easy morning walk without committing most of the day to sightseeing.
- Lalla Takerkoust: Head outside the city toward this reservoir at the foot of the Atlas Mountains for scenery and water-based activities.
- Ourika Valley: Follow the road into the Atlas foothills for riverside villages, mountain views and cooler air than central Marrakech.
Marrakech can be extremely hot, particularly in summer. Carry water, use sun protection and avoid long exposed walks during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Easy day trips if you're extending your stay
- Atlas Mountains: Spend a full day exploring mountain valleys and Amazigh villages rather than trying to fit the trip between race sessions.
- Toubkal National Park: Head deeper into the High Atlas for hiking and mountain scenery. Serious routes require suitable equipment and preparation.
- Agafay: This rocky desert landscape outside Marrakech offers a completely different setting from the medina and works well for sunset excursions.
- Essaouira: Allow a long day or overnight stay for this Atlantic coastal city, known for its walled medina, fishing port and sea air.
Good to know during race weekends
- The layout has changed over time: Older videos may show the original 4.5 km street circuit or the later 2.97 km Formula E configuration rather than today's shorter permanent course.
- Check the event calendar carefully: International motorsport is held on selected dates rather than as a continuous year-round spectator programme.
- Traffic can be busy: Marrakech roads become congested around peak periods, so allow extra time when travelling between the medina and circuit.
- Stay centrally for a first visit: The Agdal and Hivernage areas provide easier circuit access, while the medina puts you closer to the city's historic attractions.
- Bring hearing protection: Touring cars and other competition vehicles are extremely loud from close spectator areas, particularly for children.
Race schedules, circuit configurations, spectator access, road arrangements and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before travelling.