The World Touring Car Championship will expand into its fourth continent in 2009 after confirming that Morocco will stage a street race in the city of Marrakech.

The first time the country has hosted an international car race since the 1958 Morocco Grand Prix at Casablanca, the arrival of Marrakech marks the first time the WTCC has ventured into Africa too.

A temporary street circuit will be erected in the centre of the 'red city' for an event to be provisionally held on May 3rd 2009.

Speaking at the launch of the event, President of the Marrakech Grand Prix, as it will be dubbed, Ali Horma, was delighted to be inviting motorsport back to the country after a 50 year absence.

“This will be everybody's grand prix. We all have to work together to prove the world that Morocco can build a street circuit and organise a motorsport event according to the FIA standards. And to do this we need to mobilise all our resources. This event will have an unprecedented impact on Moroccan economy and tourism.”