LADA’s Hugo Valente says he is looking forward to racing on the new Marrakech circuit in this weekend’s World Touring Car Championship races in Morocco, despite the obvious challenges of learning a new circuit.
Valente has positive memories of previous outings in Marrakech, having claimed his maiden WTCC podium at the event in 2014 in only the second race of the current TC1 regulations.
The Frenchman admits that both the conditions – which have been unusually unsettled for the time of the year, with rain and thunderstorms – and the need to learn the track could make for a challenging weekend.
“It’s going to be challenging – learning a new street circuit always is,” said Valente, who has claimed a best result of fifth since joining LADA at the start of the season. “Focusing the mind and concentrating is the main thing, as there’s barely any room for error, but it’s typically one of the hottest races on the calendar and that can also take its toll.
“I expect the races to be quite eventful. Discovering the new track surface and kerbing and identifying overtaking opportunities is going to be exciting for everybody, and the short lap means times in qualifying will be tight!”
The 23-year-old added that he is expecting a buoyant atmosphere in Morocco, with a high attendance anticipate due to local racer Mehdi Bennani’s recent success.
“It’s by no means my first visit to Morocco and I have good memories of climbing the winners’ rostrum and achieving my first ever WTCC podium two years ago,” added Valente. “I have some Moroccan friends with me, which is exciting, but I expect the whole atmosphere to be great.
“Mehdi Bennani’s profile is growing in his home country and he goes there off the back of a win, so there will be a lot of support. The event feels very exotic!”
Drivers will first take to the new circuit in Friday’s test session.