Al Harthy Relishing Rockingham Challenge This Weekend
Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship contender Ahmad Al Harthy heads to Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire this weekend, 17th/18th September, bidding for another podium-filled event off the back of a superb double rostrum finish at Knockhill in Scotland less than two weeks ago.Producing fantastic pace and tremendous racecraft at the challenging Fife track to consolidate third place in the Pro-Am 1 points standings, the 30-year-old Oman Air Racing Team driver now intends to add to his tally of eight podiums for the year during rounds 14 and 15 of the season at Rockingham.Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the East Midlands track always provides great action and the International Super Sports Car Circuit configuration which will be utilised this weekend offers a unique test for competitors.With the high speeds of the famous oval banking at Turn One leading into the demanding and twisty infield section, before a return onto the oval at Turn Four, the mixture of foot-to-the-floor bravery and technical skill is something Ahmad is seriously relishing."Rockingham is a great circuit with a good mix of challenges so I'm really looking forward to being back there in a few days", said the Oman Air, Nawras, National Bank of Oman, Brand Oman, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs and Oman Ministry of Tourism-supported driver, "We came close to being on the podium last year so I'm aiming for nothing less than that this time around. "So far the season has been going really well for us, the team is doing a great job and I feel I'm driving better than ever. My main aim is to keep hold of third place in the Pro-Am 1 championship but I'll be pushing as hard as ever to try and close the gap to second position this weekend."Two pre-event practice sessions will take place at Rockingham this Friday, 16th September, with qualifying for rounds 14 and 15 following on Saturday, 17th September. Both of the weekend's races will be contested on Sunday, 18th September, at 10.00 and 13.10 respectively.Live television coverage of both encounters will be screened in the UK on Freeview, cable and digital satellite channel ITV4 and in High Definition on ITV4 HD. In addition, live streaming of the racing will also be available across the globe online at itv.com/touringcarsProvisional 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship 'Pro-Am 1' Standings (after Rd13):1st Jonas Gelzinis, 129pts; 2nd Rory Butcher, 81pts; 3rd Ahmad Al Harthy, 60pts