Ahmad becomes first Omani to stand on Le Mans podium

Oman Racing’s Ahmad Al Harthy and Tom Jackson combined to deliver a remarkable GT3 class victory in the Michelin Le Mans Cup

MUSCAT: Oman Racing celebrated a truly outstanding performance at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France on Thursday with Ahmad Al Harthy and Tom Jackson combining to deliver a remarkable GT3 class victory in the Michelin Le Mans Cup — a key support race to the famous Le Mans 24 Hours.

Beginning the first of the event’s two Michelin Le Mans Cup encounters from 10th on the GT3 grid, Jackson took the opening stint and the British driver climbed as high as fourth before handing over the No. 97 Aston Martin V12 Vantage to Al Harthy at the mid race pit-stop from fifth place.

Joining the track an improved fourth, the Omani reeled off some very impressive laps and swiftly moved into the coveted podium placings before taking the runner- up spot on lap nine. Looking set to finish the race at the end of 55 minutes with a fantastic second position, a time penalty for the leading Ferrari enabled Al Harthy to take a sensational victory at the 13.6-kilometre track. As well as marking Oman Racing’s first competitive appearance in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, the race was also Muscat driver Al Harthy’s first at the Circuit de la Sarthe since contesting the Porsche Carrera Cup France round at Le Mans in 2010 when he became the first Omani to race there. Most notably, he is now the first racing driver from the Sultanate to stand on the podium at Le Mans.

“We did it – we won at Le Mans!” said an ecstatic Al Harthy.

“It’s an unbelievable result, the whole team did an amazing job. Tom had a really good stint at the start, he did a fantastic job, and the car was set-up really well, everything was working good. We battled all the way and I’m so, so proud to have climbed to the top step of the podium at Le Mans.

“All of the support we receive from Oman is amazing, the supporters, the sponsors – Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs, Oman Air, National Bank of Oman, Omantel, Barr Al Jissah and Amouage – and my family and friends. This means so much towards my future plans and what I want to try and achieve in the sport. I’m looking forward even more to race two now when we start on P1”.