What’s happening this January in the world of motorsport?

Jaguar Panasonic sponsored racing car

It’s a new year, and there’s plenty of new motorsport lined up for 2018.

Among this month’s biggest events are the Daytona 24 hours, the Marrakesh ePrix and the 2018 TCR Middle East Series and the launch of the 2018 24 Hour GT Series.

Here’s an overview of each one.

TCR Middle East Series: Starts January 5.

The TCR Middle East Series returns after its inaugural season in 2017 with the championship starting on January 5 in Dubai at the Autodrome.

Defending champion Josh Files and 2017 team winners Liqui Moly Team Engstler will both return to the middle east to ensure the accolades remain in their respective trophy cabinets.

Drivers will then take to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for the second race January 19-20, before the championship is rounded off in Bahrain in February.

24h Series. Starts January 11.

The 24h Series season accelerates into action on January 11 when competitors put their pedal to the floor at the first event in Dubai.

Team Hofor-Racing will be hoping for a better finish this year, after coming seventh in 2017, as last year’s Championship winning team got off to a slow start.

Also taking place in Dubai will be the 3x3H on January 5-6.

Formula E Marrakesh ePrix. Starts January 13.

Formula E returns to Marrakesh after the success after last year’s inaugural event in Morocco for what will be the third race of season four.

Taking place on January 13 the course starts on the 1.86 mile long Circuit International Automobile Moulay El Hassan, before entering the streets near the modern hotel district and racing along the backdrop of the Marrakesh Wall.

After a magnificent drive in 2017, Sebastien Buemi will be hoping to take home his crown again this year. He rose from sixth on the starting grid to finish top of the podium.

TV times – Qualifying on 13th 3-3:45pm with the race live at 3:45-5pm on Eurosport 1.

Daytona 24 Hours. Starts January 27.

24 Hours of Daytona starting Grid
24 Hours of Daytona starting Grid

The endurance sports racing classic is one of North America’s most prestigious race returns.

Daytona 24 Hours has been going since 1962 and often attracts some of motorsport’s biggest names. This year, Formula 1 icon Fernando Alonso is set to compete in the epic 24 hour race.

Alonso will be with the United Autosports team, but just because the Spaniard is the most high profile name competing in Florida, it doesn’t automatically make him the favourite for the race. This will be the first endurance contest for the 36-year-old, who has amassed two World Championships and 32 wins during his stellar F1 career to date.

The Daytona 24 is part of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship and the Rolex 24 is the longest race within the competition. A mix of both professional and amateur racers compete in this intense battle of wits and driving skill.

Amateur Motorsport

Closer to home, those who are interested in getting into motorsport can take part in the MGJ Engineering Brands Hatch Stages on the 20 will allow drivers to race round the infamous Brands Hatch circuit.

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