Al Harthy Raring To Go For Silverstone Season Carrera Cup Finale
Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship racer Ahmad Al Harthy cannot wait for the final event of the 2011 season at Silverstone National Circuit this weekend, 15th/16th October, where's he's aiming to round-off his hugely successful campaign with yet more Pro-Am 1 podium finishes.Going into the final two races of the season, rounds 18 and 19, third in the Pro-Am 1 standings, the Oman Air Racing Team driver's first goal is to maintain his top three championship placing - but off the back of his second career Pro-Am 1 race win last time out, the runner-up position is still possible."We're going to Silverstone with the same aim we always do, try the best we can and do the very best job possible", said the 30-year-old, "Winning at Brands Hatch was amazing, the conditions were so difficult with the incredible heat that weekend so it made the result even more satisfying."It was a very important moment for me and all of my sponsors and supporters, they're the reason we're here racing in such a prestigious championship. If we can end the year third in Pro-Am 1 I'll be very happy indeed although we do have a chance at second place. That will be extremely tough to try and achieve but it is a possibility, so we'll be going for it."From 17 races so far this year, Ahmad has been on the Pro-Am 1 podium on 11 occasions and has been a true force throughout the season in his Oman Air, Nawras, National Bank of Oman, Brand Oman, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs and Oman Ministry of Tourism-backed Porsche 911 GT3.After being declared 'Driver of the Weekend' just under two weeks ago at Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit, the challenge at Silverstone's short National Circuit will be an altogether different one. Ahmad, who has travelled to the UK early for a test today, is confident of a strong conclusion to the season though where he will once more race in support of the Omani National Association for Cancer Awareness.Pre-event practice will be held on Friday, 14th October, with qualifying scheduled for 12.05 (UK time) on Saturday, 15th October. Both races will follow on Sunday, 16th October, with round 18 starting at 12.25 and round 19 following at 15.45. Live coverage of the second race will be screened in the UK on ITV4 and ITV4 HD while online streaming will be available globally at www.itv.com/touringcarsProvisional 2011 Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship 'Pro-Am 1' Standings (after Rd17):Champion: Jonas Gelzinis, 168pts; 2nd Rory Butcher, 97pts; 3rd Ahmad Al Harthy, 83pts