Rob Huff praises new, ‘reminiscent of Macau’ Marrakech track

Rob Huff was fastest in the opening session of the weekend at Marrakech, Morocco. The Brit drove his Honda to a lap time of 1:22.451, which was two tenths quicker than José María López’s Citroën C-Elysée.

“Obviously being quickest in the first session put a smile on my face,” said the Brit. “We changed a few things on the car, but I think we know what we’ve got as a balance and I don’t think it will change too much, I was pleased with the car although there are a few bits we are going to work on. It’s a great way to start the weekend, it gives you good confidence and I’ve always loved street circuits, so I am excited.”

The new layout left Huff pleased and even a bit surprised after yesterday’s track walk: “It’s always difficult to know what it’s going to be like in a racing car from walking the track or on the electric skateboard – which I’ve done several times. You have a picture in your imagination and obviously we did some simulator work. From walking it it’s incredibly tight in places, but I have to say I really like it. It’s definitely a little bit reminiscent of Macau, you’re going into the corners at quite high speed and there’s a concrete wall on the exit, and you’re not quite sure if you’ve given enough margin for error or not. The many different surfaces make it very, very difficult indeed, especially under braking. I am very impressed, it’s a great circuit, it’s really, really difficult.”

When asked if he would like any changes to the track, the Honda driver replied: “Make it wet! It’s quite similar to Budapest in the sense that it’s a new track, with new tarmac. We could always do with a nice long straight in touring cars to guarantee good overtaking opportunities, which is always the problem on street circuits, but ultimately it’s the same for everyone and, as always on street tracks, it’s going to come down to qualifying and getting a good start.”

Qualifying will be crucial for Sunday, and the Brit believes luck will not be a factor come qualifying: “Once you have achieved a pole position it makes your life easier. Of course it’s a law of physics, as the lap is shorter the gaps will come down. We are all talented drivers, we don’t need any luck.”

Huff is currently fourth in the championship, 46 points shy of José María López.