Sat 25th Jun 2011: Oman Air Racing Team driver Ahmad Al Harthy has spoken of his amazement, awe and respect of the challenge offered by the Nürburgring-Nordschleife after qualifying fourth in Pro-Am 1 today, Friday, 24th June, ahead of the weekend’s ninth round of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship.
As part of the inaugural Porsche Carrera World Cup, competitors from Porsche Carrera Cup GB are taking on by far their greatest ever test at the phenomenal 14-mile German track this weekend and 29-year-old Ahmad was delighted with his competitive run during this afternoon’s qualifying session.
Pre-event practice on Thursday, 23rd June, marked his first ever experience of the unique, infamous circuit and after getting to grips well with the immense challenge the Omani sporting star headed into today’s all-important run aiming to improve yet further.
Reducing his best lap time by a full 12 seconds in qualifying to lap fourth fastest in Pro-Am 1, the Oman Air, Nawras, National Bank of Oman, Brand Oman, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs and Oman Ministry of Tourism-backed driver is now focused on tomorrow’s grueling six lap race – which will be contested over a distance of approximately 85 miles.
“For my first time ever at this track, to be fourth in class is amazing – I’m very happy and delighted for all of my sponsors”, said Ahmad, “As always, the Oman Air Racing Team has done an incredible job with the car and I’ve been gaining confidence all of the time. Nürburgring-Nordschleife is just something else, it’s an unbelievable experience and a track that demands maximum respect.
“It rained very heavily before qualifying started but the track dried fast during the first five minutes. On my second set of tyres, yellow flags were shown so I had to back off but to have still improved by 12 seconds between testing and qualifying is very satisfying. Tomorrow is a very important day and we have a good crowd here from Oman supporting us – I’m so proud to be representing them.”
Digital satellite and cable broadcaster Eurosport will screen the Porsche Carrera World Cup, incorporating round nine of Porsche Carrera Cup GB, live tomorrow, Saturday, 25th June, with the action scheduled to get underway at 11.20 (local time). For further details and regional variations, please check listings.
Provisional 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship ‘Pro-Am 1’ Standings (after Rd8):
1st Jonas Gelzinis, 89pts; 2nd Ahmad Al Harthy, 51pts
