Formula E in Marrakesh: sun, sand & souks

Morroco’s fourth-largest city is a unique setting for a race and the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Taking place on January 12, the race lends the outskirts of Marrakesh a festival feel with the local culture blending impressively with Formula E’s vision for clean racing.

The Gen2 Formula E cars will provide the on-track excitement, with drivers such as Felipe Massa, Stoffel Vandoorne, Sam Bird, Sébastien Buemi and Alexander Sims competing in the new breed of electric racing machines. And the supporting cast is provided by the Jaguar E-Pace SUVs.

The 2.99km circuit runs along part of the Marrakesh Wall, built in the 12th Century to fortify the city, and in the background you’ll be able to see the Atlas Mountains and the minarets of the Medina.

Off-track, take the chance to meet your favourite drivers and explore the fan village, which includes the latest electric vehicles and activities. It’s free-to-enter for ticket holders, and you can get right up to the podium post-race to celebrate the victor. No other motor sport allows fans to get so close to the drivers.

Once the day is over, explore the old city itself. The traditional Marrakshi welcome is mint tea, but alcohol is available in many Riads (traditional townhouses) dotted around. Riads are also the best places to dine and stay in Marrakesh, often serving excellent local food and drink in a beautiful setting. 

There’s so much to see in Marrakesh itself, including the chaotic souks and incredible historic sites such as the 12th-Century Koutoubia Mosque and El Badi Palace.

Grandstand tickets to the Formula E Marrakesh ePrix cost just €15 for adults, with those aged 0-4 entering free.

Visit tickets.fiaformulae.com for more.

HOW TO GET THERE

Return tickets from London airports start from around £140 for the Formula E weekend, with taxis and shuttles available to take you from the airport to the city, just 30 minutes away. Taxis are also probably the safest and easiest way to reach the circuit.

ALSO GOING ON

WTCR (formerly WTCC) hasn’t announced its calendar at time of writing, but the 2018 touring car season kicked off in Marrakesh in early April. The Morocco Desert Challenge, a rally-raid, takes place during the same month.

EAT, DRINK AND SEE

The food and drink in Morocco is one of its biggest selling points, and Marrakshi hospitality is famous. If you’re looking for a slower pace of life than the souks offer, stay outside the old town and explore the natural beauty on offer outside the walls of Marrakesh.