Ahmad confirms return to Porsche GB series

Ahmad al Harthy confirmed on Tuesday that he will be returning for a third consecutive season in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship with Oman Air Racing Team.

The 30 year will also enter three separate European races throughout the 2012 season. In the UK series, he will again compete in the Pro-Am 1 class with backing from the experienced Redline Racing team.

Ahmad had his best season to date in 2011. He won two races in the Pro-Am 1 class and recorded 12 podium finishes from 19 races to finish third overall in the category.

Following the UK season, the Muscat-based racer stepped into the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East series, where the highlight was a lights-to-flag victory during the Formula One support race at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi. From six races in the series so far, Ahmad has achieved three podium finishes.

Looking ahead to his return to Europe in 2012, Ahmad said the Middle East experience will prove beneficial.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, in the presence of his sponsors, he said, “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 experience from racing in Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East, I'm confident we can have a great season back in the UK.”

The 2012 calendar for the Porsche GB series is yet to be finalised, meaning Ahmad is unable to confirm which European races he will add to his campaign. While waiting for confirmation of the British schedule, Ahmad has also been forced to cut back on his Middle East championship commitments.

The Oman Air Racing Team driver skipped the previous round at Reem International Circuit in Saudi Arabia and has also pulled out of the final event in Bahrain. Ahmad is still hoping to compete in rounds nine and ten at Losail International Circuit in Qatar from March 1-3.

“I decided to skip the rounds in Saudi and Bahrain so that the British campaign will not be affected. We are semi-confirmed for Qatar and it would be a benefit if we could do it. There's no doubt that the Middle East championship has helped make me a better driver.”

Following the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship Media Day on March 13 at Silverstone, the opening two rounds of the series will be at Brands Hatch from March 31 to April 1.

At the press conference, Muscat Eye Laser Centre was unveiled as the new sponsor while the existing sponsors – Oman Air, Nawras, National Bank of Oman (NBO) – along with the Ministry of Sports Affairs and Ministry of Tourism, reiterated their support to Ahmad for the coming season.

Representatives from the sponsors - Fahd al Raisi, Ministry of Sports Affairs; Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Ministry of Tourism; Philippe Georgiou, Oman Air; Ross Cormack, Nawras; Harsh Munjal, NBO; and Sameer al Awam, Muscat Eye Laser Centre - attended the press conference.