I’M ON THE #WTCR2019SUPERGRID

FIVE FACTS

Karts to cars: Morocco’s top motorsport star raced karts and single-seaters before his touring car ambitions took hold.

History-maker: After making his WTCC debut in 2009, he established himself as an ever-present in the series and became the first Arabic driver to win an FIA world championship motor race in Shanghai in 2014.

If at first you don’t succeed… Joining WTCC newcomer Sébastien Loeb Racing for 2015, Bennani just missed out on that year’s WTCC Trophy but went one better the following season.

Lead leader: He was classified sixth at the end of the final WTCC season in 2017 having led more laps than any of his rivals and winning outright three times.

Did you know? Trilingual, Bennani enjoys playing squash and going to the gym when he’s not racing his Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR in WTCR / OSCARO.

CAREER SO FAR:

2000: 1, Moroccan Karting Championship, class 125 ICC; 19, Moroccan Fiat Palio Trophy

2001: 2, European Karting Championship, class 100 ICA

2002: 1, Marrakech International Karting race, class 100 ICA

2004: 2, Asian Formula BMW Championship

2005: (best result 9), World Series by Renault

2006: World Series by Renault

2007: (best result 4), Euroseries Formula 3000

2008: 1 (7 wins), Moroccan Circuit Racing Championship, Group M2A; 2, Pau Historic GP

2009: 1 (5 wins), Moroccan Circuit Racing, Group M2A; (best result 9), World Touring Car Championship (SEAT León)

2010: 19 (best result 9), WTCC (BMW 320si)

2011: 16 (best result 6), WTCC (BMW 320 TC)

2012: 10 (best result 3), WTCC (BMW 320 TC)

2013: 12 (best result 2), WTCC (BMW 320 TC)

2014: 11 (1 win), WTCC (Honda Civic WTCC)

2015: 8, WTCC (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC); 2, Yokohama Drivers’ Trophy

2016: 5 (2 wins), WTCC (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC); 1, WTCC Trophy

2017: 6 (3 wins), WTCC (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC); 3, WTCC Trophy

2018: 12 (1 win), WTCR – FIA World Touring Car Cup presented by OSCARO (Volkswagen Golf GTI TCR)