The Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup season 2017 is coming to a close this weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. In the Pro-Am category Jonny Adam and Ahmad Al Harthy could celebrate an early win. They secured the drivers’ title and the Pro-Am Cup teams’ title. We met the 36 year-old from Muscat in the paddock today.
Why did you choose the Blancpain GT Series for your racing career?
Ahmad Al Harthy: “I started racing in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup in 2013 and it is the biggest thing I’ve ever done in motorsports. For me there was no other championship to consider than the Blancpain GT Series. The way the championship is run, the opportunities you have with the Pro-Am philosophy of the series and the venues are speaking for themselves.”
You had a great season so far, tell us more about it.
Ahmad Al Harthy: “The 2017 season was the best season in my 10 years of racing. Oman Racing joined hands with TF Sport this year and all went very well for us. We have an amazing team and it is a gift to have Jonny Adam at my side. He has been great and learning from him is an experience I would not want to miss. This year we’re also celebrating our 10th year anniversary with Oman Racing and it is a tremendous feeling to return home with such great results. We are the only Arab team in the world’s strongest GT championship and this success is so important for us. Especially as I am able to set an example for so many young and talented drivers in my region. I can open doors for other talents from the Middle East.”
So, you are already celebrating?
Ahmad Al Harthy: “This weekend is not about celebrations yet. We are still focused and we will give it everything we’ve got to have a great race. We do want to set the foundation for 2018 because I want to continue and keep building our strength and do everything to be back in the Blancpain GT Series next year. There is no comparison for this championship. What other series has this kind of competition to offer? This is where the best drivers are, it is amazingly balanced and for us as a Pro-Am team it offers the best platform to learn and develop.”
A word with Ahmad Al Harthy #97, Oman Racing Team with TF Sport
