Omani racer Ahmad Al Harthy has announced he will compete in the 2012 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship for a third successive season with the Oman Air Racing Team.
Revealed at an official press conference held at the Muscat International hotel in Oman, the 30 year old will compete in the Pro-Am1 class with Oman Air as his title sponsor. Once again Al Harthy is receiving huge backing from his homeland, include government backing from the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Ministry of Tourism and deals with the Muscat Eye Laser Centre, National Bank of Oman and telecommunications provider Nawras.
Al Harthy will be looking to challenge for the Pro-Am1 title in 2012 after a successful 2011 campaign saw him finish third in the class standings with twelve podiums in nineteen races, including two class wins. Over the winter, Al Harthy has also been competing in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East series, taking three podiums including a lights-to-flag win in the FIA Formula One World Championship support race at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi last November.
Al Harthy said: “It's incredible we're returning to Porsche Carrera Cup GB. It's one of the best motor racing championships in the world and it's a huge honour to continue promoting Oman, and everything the country has to offer, through my racing on such a prestigious stage. I'm delighted too, of course, to have the continued support of so many incredible sponsors – it's amazing.
“Retaining title sponsorship from Oman Air is fantastic and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the airline, as well as to my other incredible partners – the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Nawras and National Bank of Oman. We are also extremely fortunate in being able to welcome a new partner for 2012, Muscat Eye Laser Centre, which is very exciting.
“We had an amazing season last year in Pro-Am 1 and we're aiming for even more podiums and wins this year. Being with Redline Racing for a third season was never a doubt, the guys there are the best in the business and always do a perfect job. With the extra experience from racing in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East I'm confident we can have a great season back in the UK.”