Muscat, 7th July 2011: Oman Air Racing Team star Ahmad Al Harthy is set to take on one of the greatest challenges of his career to date, when he participates in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, part of the FIA Formula One World Championship, at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit this weekend, 9th/10th July.
This will be the first time that the 29-year-old from Oman’s capital city of Muscat will have competed as part of a Formula One weekend and he is hoping to repeat the success he has achieved in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship. There, he regularly attains podium position and won a spectacular first place at Donington Park earlier this season in the Pro Am1 category.
Looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere of the British Grand Prix, Ahmad said:
“I can’t wait to get out there and take part in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, which is the biggest of the Porsche championships. I have been racing well this season and the Oman Air Racing Team has achieved some great results, which we hope to build on at Silverstone.
“It has always been a dream of mine to be a part of a Formula One weekend and now, thanks to the invaluable support of Oman Air and my other sponsors, that dream is becoming a reality.
“I know it will be a tough challenge, but I am focused, ready for it and determined to take my driving to a whole new level.”
The Porsche Mobil1 Supercup is the most prestigious of Porsche’s one-make championships and has been a regular part of the F1 support package since 1993. This weekend’s fifth round of the season will see drivers battling for first place over 14 laps of the Silverstone circuit.
This is the second year that Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has sponsored Ahmad and the Oman Air Racing Team. The airline’s Chief Officer Corporate Affairs, Philippe Georgiou, commented:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be supporting Ahmad in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup. Being part of a Grand Prix weekend is a huge opportunity for the Oman Air Racing Team and a great platform from which to promote Oman Air’s world class service at a world class event.
“Ahmad is an outstanding ambassador for Oman Air and for the Sultanate, and an outstanding sportsman. We wish him the greatest of success in this weekend’s race.”
Ahmad Al Harthy concluded:
“To date, this has been an incredible year and we have already achieved so much. None of it would have been possible without the incredible support of Oman Air and everyone in Oman. I am incredibly proud to be representing my country in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and I am looking forward to a great result.”
Porsche Mobil1 Supercup qualifying will take place at 11.25 on Saturday, 9th July, with the race set to get underway at 10.45 on Sunday, 10th July. Live coverage of the race will be screened across Europe and other territories via digital satellite and cable broadcaster Eurosport.
