Porsche Carrera Cup GB Pro-Am 1 class champion Ahmad Al–Harthy will move into the Avon Tyres British GT Championship for this season, joining Motorbase Performance.
The team will run a GT3 Porsche under the Oman Air Motorbase banner and carry the #1 plate brought by Al-Harthy’s co-driver Michael Caine, who won the 2012 title with Motorbase after a frenetic final round last September.
Al-Harthy, who brings a wealth of sponsors including the Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs, Oman Ministry of Tourism and Muscat Eye Laser Centre comes to British GT after three seasons in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB – the same series Motorbase departed to bring a two car effort to the British GT paddock last season.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to announce such exciting plans for 2013, especially off the back of such a successful season last year in Porsche Carrera Cup GB,” said Al-Harthy. “What we all achieved in 2012 paved the way for us to climb the ladder into British GT this year, it’s an incredibly prestigious and highly respected championship with such an amazing heritage.”
He continued; “there are a lot of new experiences ahead for me this year and it’s going to be a big challenge for sure. Although I have experienced GT racing when I teamed with James Sutton] to win a round of the UAE GT Championship in 2011, British GT is a whole new level so there’s a lot of hard work ahead. I can’t wait to get started!”
“Moving full-time into endurance racing and away from sprint racing is a big new challenge, but it’s one I’m really looking forward to with everyone at Oman Air Motorbase. I seriously couldn’t have a better or more experienced team-mate than Michael to share a car with – if I can get close to matching his lap times I’ll be very happy indeed.”
Caine, who returned to British GT for last season after his own stint in the Carrera Cup won the 2012 driving with Daniele Perfetti, clinching the title at Donington Park despite not winning a race during the season.
The 2013 Avon Tyres British GT Championship begins at Oulton Park on Easter Weekend.
