Circuit Sidi Daoui de Oued Zem

Circuit History

Oued Zem developed as a strategic phosphate mining centre from 1917, earning the colonial nickname "Little Paris" due to its elegant French-designed infrastructure and economic importance. The Sidi Daoui mining operations formed a crucial component of OCP's vast extraction network within the Oulad Abdoun Basin, which contains 44% of Morocco's phosphate reserves. When the local deposits became exhausted, OCP initiated an ambitious rehabilitation programme to transform the former industrial site into a modern motorsport complex.

Construction of an initial course was completed by 2017, allowing local testing and track days on a shorter loop. The track underwent a major extension in 2019 to reach its current 4.480-kilometre length, necessitating construction of a temporary new pit lane to serve the longer configuration.  That same year Moroccan Royal Motor Sports Federation (FRMSA) officials met with FIA President Jean Todt to review the design and begin the homologation process. The circuit was envisioned from the outset to meet FIA Grade 1 safety criteria required for F1 races, featuring wide asphalt (12–15 m) and extensive runoff. However, ancillary facilities – pit buildings, grandstands and paddock infrastructure – were still under development at that time. A new pit lane for the long course debuted in 2020, with proper garage buildings to meet international racing standards. 

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant delays to the originally planned timeline, but development continued with completion of the Base de Vie accommodation facility in 2022, providing 30 beds within a 3,533-square-metre complex designed by architects Malak Laraki and Mohammed Amine Kabbaj. This residential infrastructure enables extended stays for racing teams and automotive industry personnel.

Safety improvements included installation of 516 metres of debris fencing with six-metre post spacing, supplied by specialist contractor Geobrugg to international standards. However, despite these investments, multiple design iterations, and FIA inspections, the circuit has not yet achieved the FIA homologation that would enable it to host sanctioned international motorsport events, contrary to some earlier reports claiming Grade 2 certification.

Current operational status and events

The facility operates as part of the broader Morocco Mobility & Automotive Centre, a 500-hectare testing complex jointly operated by UTAC and FEV Group. This automotive development hub includes 30 kilometres of various test tracks alongside the racing circuit, creating Morocco's first comprehensive motorsport and automotive testing facility. The circuit successfully hosted automotive promotional events, including the 2023 Alpine A110 presentation.

Recent motorsport activity includes the November 2024 Morocco Historic Grand Prix, featuring historic Formula 1 cars from 1931-1985, sports prototypes, and GT vehicles. Whilst this event proceeded successfully with former F1 drivers Jackie Ickx and Franck Montagny in attendance, it operated under national rather than FIA sanctioning, reflecting the circuit's current non-homologated status.

Jump onboard