Ain-Diab Circuit
The Ain-Diab Circuit was a Formula One road circuit built in 1957, south west of Ain-Diab in Morocco, using the existing coast road and the main road from Casablanca to Azemmour that ran through the Sidi Abderhaman forest.[1] Prior to 1957, the Anfa Circuit and the Agadir circuit were used for the Moroccan Grand Prix.
Location | Ain-Diab, Casablanca-Settat, Morocco |
---|---|
Time zone | GMT |
Major events | Formula One Moroccan Grand Prix |
Temporary road course (1957-58) | |
Length | 7.602 km (4.724 mi) |
Race lap record | 2:22.5 - 119.343 mph ( Stirling Moss, Vanwall, 1958[1]) |
The 4.724 miles (7.603 km) course was designed by the Royal Automobile Club of Morocco and given a full blessing from Sultan Mohammed V.[1] It took six weeks to construct.[1][2] The site hosted a non-championship F1 race in 1957.[3] On 19 October 1958 the course was the venue for the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix,[2][4] the final round in the 1958 Formula One season.[5] It was won by Stirling Moss driving a Vanwall,[4][6] completing the 53 laps in 2h 09m 15.1s.[5] Mike Hawthorn driving a Ferrari 246 finished second and in doing so became the first British Formula One World Champion.
During the race, the engine on the Vanwall of Stuart Lewis-Evans seized and the car spun and crashed. He was fatally burned,[1][2] dying in hospital in England eight days later.[7]
References
- "Ain Diab | Motor Sport Magazine database". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- "All Formula One Info - Ain Diab Circuit". All Formula One Info. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- "1957 Moroccan Grand Prix | Motor Sport Magazine Database". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- "Ain Diab Track Info". Silhouet. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- "1958 Moroccan Grand Prix | Motor Sport Magazine Database". Motor Sport Magazine. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- "Moroccan Grand Prix". theracingline.net. Retrieved 18 September 2018.
- "The drama, pride and tragedy of F1's last Moroccan Grand Prix". BBC News. 27 February 2020.