The race was first run in May 2009 on a purpose-built track. It was the first international car race in Morocco since the 1958 Moroccan Grand Prix at the Ain-Diab Circuit in Casablanca. It is also the only WTCC race to ever take place in Africa. The race was scheduled to be the season opener for the 2014 season for the first time, taking the place of the FIA WTCC Race of Italy.