Rabat – With the Kumho FIA TCR World Tour set to resume this Saturday in Marrakech, Morocco’s Sami Taoufik is preparing to impress and emerge with a historic triumph on home soil.
This event marks the return of touring car racing to the 1.98km circuit after a hiatus since 2019, promising an exhilarating and action-packed weekend for both drivers and spectators
One of the standout storylines of the event is the presence of Moroccan racing talent. A local hero born in 2022 in Barcelona, Spain, Sami Taoufik’s journey in motorsports began in 2007 when he started karting at just 5 years old.
Sami Taoufik on the racing track
His talent quickly became evident, leading to four Spanish Championship titles. Transitioning to the OK Junior category in 2015, he secured a notable victory at the WSK Super Master Series OKJ in 2016 with Ricky Flynn Motorsport.
In 2017, Taoufik moved up to the OK category and claimed the CIK-FIA European Championship title, along with the Rookie of the Year award. His career took another turn in 2019 when he debuted in the TCR Europe Touring Car Series, where he’s competed since, achieving a best finish of 9th place in 2021.
Taoufik is now excitedly gearing up for a race in Morocco, a momentous occasion that holds special significance for him. Racing on home soil, surrounded by local fans’ support, adds an extra layer of excitement to this milestone event for the Barcelona-born Moroccan motorsport prodigy.
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Joining Taoufik on the grid is another Moroccan star, Mehdi Bennani, the 2020 TCR Europe champion.
Sami Taoufik next to a racing vehicle
Bennani, who will be driving a new CUPRA Leon VZ for Team Clairet Sport, has also said he is determined to secure his first victory in front of his home crowd. His previous best result at the Moulay El Hassan Circuit is a second-place finish in 2018 while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI.
As part of the FIA TCR World Tour’s only African round, the event will showcase 25 high-performance touring cars from top manufacturers like Renault and Audi.
These vehicles, equipped with turbocharged 2-liter engines capable of producing up to 350 horsepower, will navigate the circuit’s tight twists and turns, providing an adrenaline-fueled spectacle for the audience.
Beyond the thrilling races, the AFRIQUIA Race of Morocco will offer a variety of family-friendly activities, including stunt shows, live music, and more. This will create a vibrant and festive atmosphere, ensuring that all attendees, whether motorsport enthusiasts or casual spectators, can enjoy a memorable experience.
