Impressive debut for Mehdi Bennani

Morrocan driver Mehdi Bennani made his debut last weekend in the World Touring Car Championship at his home race in Marrakech. Coming from single seater and GT racing, it was his first race in Touring Cars. It was a stunning start of this new step in his career, as he impressed with good results.

He qualified in 14th and second of the privateers. In the first race he finished close to the points in ninth, and made it to the podium as fastest of the privateers. He also got an point for the independents trophy for setting the fastest lap.

In the second race he wasn’t far from the points either, bringing the car home in tenth and third of the privateers. After his first weekend, he is 5th in the privateers championship with 17 points.

“I’m so happy to be here with these drivers – it’s a dream”, Bennani said after the races. “Congratulations to my team for giving me a great car to race with today.”

“I hope to drive in the rest of the WTCC season because I want to show the world the Moroccan driver wasn’t just here for one event.”

“Race 1 was great but in Race 2 I was fighting with Monteiro and Priaulx and I made a mistake. I hope to keep learning.”