Three challenging hours of Blancpain Endurance Series action at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit on Sunday, 24th May, resulted in a somewhat frustrating top 15 finish in the Pro Cup class for Ahmad Al Harthy and the Oman Racing Team – an event which really could have delivered so much more.
On course in qualifying to secure a magnificent front row start from the 62-strong entry, the No.44 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 was second fastest after the first two rain-affected sessions but as the track dried towards the end of the third run the team slipped back to 18th overall.
Despite the frustration of missing out on a lofty grid position, Ahmad and team-mates Daniel Lloyd and Jonny Adam all headed into the second race of the Blancpain season confident of battling into the points-paying top 10 but an issue with the ABS system ultimately compromised their chances.
“We were very close in qualifying to getting a front row start which would have been incredible”, said the 33-year-old Omani, “It dried up in Q3 and unfortunately we didn’t improve while some others did. In the first sessions we were second fastest overall, it would have been amazing to start the race there and the result could have been much different if that had been the case.
“Our starting position was tough but we started well with Dan [Lloyd] and kept climbing up the order. When I got in the car, the first few laps were strong but then we had an issue with the ABS which cost us some time and meant I had to change my driving style to work around that. It was very tough in traffic and trying to overtake, but a championship like Blancpain is always difficult.”
With Lloyd taking the opening stint, the Briton put together a good opening lap to climb from 18th position into 16th place overall and after 30 minutes of action the Oman Racing Team car was in the top 15. Despite being nudged back a couple of places soon after, Lloyd climbed into ninth position as the opening round of pit-stops started before handing the car over to Ahmad after 65 minutes.
Quickly getting up to speed after leaving the pits, the Oman Air, Oman Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ooredoo, National Bank of Oman and Al Hashar Group supported driver started to make strong progress back up the order from 26th position. Within a handful of laps he was into 18th place overall, 15th in the Pro Cup, but soon after problems struck with the ABS.
Professionally working around the issue, Ahmad managed to remain in the top 20 and the Aston Martin Middle East and North Africa ambassador pitted to hand the car over to Adam from 19th place, with just over an hour to run. Joining the track 23rd overall, 16th in the Pro Cup, the Scotsman made progress to take the flag on lap 84 in 19th position and inside the Pro Cup top 15.
“It’s been tough this weekend but we know we can do it, the pace is there and when everything falls into place we’ll get the rewards that come with that”, added Ahmad, “There are many positives, as always, and it’s certainly been fantastic preparation for the three-hour British GT race at Silverstone next weekend. We’re definitely aiming for a good result then!”
Paul Ricard HTTT in France will host round three of the Blancpain Endurance Series over the weekend 19th/20th June. First, though, Ahmad and the Oman Racing Team will be back on track at Silverstone GP Circuit again next weekend, 30th/31st May, for round four of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship – the Silverstone 500.
