MUSCAT — Confident Formula racer of Oman, Ahmad Said Al Harthy, yesterday announced his programme for the fresh season starting later this month at a media briefing organised by the Oman Racing Team at the Muscat InterContinental yesterday.

Ahmad Al Harthy, who has been striking headlines for his performance in the Formula Renault BARC series, was once again in the news recently with his podium finish in the car racing held simultaneously with the Bahrain Formula Grand Prix. He has been in the limelight with some creditable podium finishes in 2008, and yesterday he announced that he is aiming for the title in the 2009 season, which comprises twelve races, which will be flagged off at the Oulton Park circuit on May 22.

New sponsor

During the course of the briefing, the founder member of the Oman Racing Team (ORT) and former rally ace Hamed Al Wahaibi revealed new sponsorship partners for the season.

First and foremost Muhannad Mohammad Ba’Haggag, the senior officer, corporate communications and media, confirmed Oman’s national carrier-Oman Air’s support for ORT. Muhannad said that the national carrier would mutually benefit by flying the Sultanate’s racing star to the venues of action. “We are proud to be the partner of Ahmad Al Harthy, who is our nation’s ambassador in promoting our country,” he said. Meanwhile, in a statement, Oman Air's corporate communications and media head, Usama Karim Al Haremi said that the Oman Air’s decision to sponsor Ahmad’s programme rose from its committed stand on encouraging talented Omanis who excelled in their chosen field of sports and other extra curricular activities.

“We have been observing the rise of Ahmad Al Harthy from local to regional to international arena, gaining phenomenal confidence and strength from one win to another. We are happy with our decision to support him and wish him all the very best in his programme,” Al Haremi said.

“Ahmad is a good example of a modern national who keeps up the tradition of mutual respect and cultured behaviour while blending with the modern trends. We are sure with the strict regimen that Ahmad is undergoing now, he will bring in laurels to the country,” he added. The other leading partner for Ahmad this season is the Oman Brand Management Unit (OBMU), whose chief executive officer His Highness Sayyid Faisal Al Said, said that Ahmad was one of those citizen’s, who adds valued to Oman Brand and he can be helpful in packaging the nation to the outer world.

Brand ambassador

“We’re delighted to be supporting Ahmad,” remarked Sayyid Faisal. “He’s a wonderful brand ambassador for Oman and a truly gifted athlete. I’m confident he will do Oman proud this season. Everyone at the Oman Brand Management Unit wishes him every success.” Representatives of Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Sports Affairs also confirmed their full-fledged support for the Formula racer.

Khalid Al Zadjali of Tourism Ministry informed that the government is proud of Ahmad’s achievement and announced the continued support, while Ahmed Jahdhami of Sports Affairs Ministry said the support from sports fund will continue to flow for the racer this season as well.Both the ministry representatives hailed the achievements of Ahmad and also thanked Hamed Al Wahaibi for his all-out support for the racing star.
Ahmad Al Harthy is no stranger to Formula Renault as he has been competing in the championship since 2007.

“To be partnering with Oman Air and OBMU is very important to me. Indeed, I have always wanted to carry Omani brands with me wherever I race.

“The support of these two new partners will certainly have a big impact in the UK. OBMU will have a new platform in Formula Racing that will provide them with the opportunity to promote the Sultanate and all that it offers,” said Ahmad.
ORT has been carefully planning Al Harthy’s racing career and this has begun to pay dividends both in the UK and Middle East.

His superb 2008 results have prepared him well for the 2009 campaign.
Hamed Al Wahaibi, in his comments said: “We are delighted to unveil our new partners today, Ahmad has been producing great results and this support sends a clear message that the government and business community are ken to support young, gifted Omani athletes.”
He added to say that it was important to highlight the support of the Ministry of Sports Affairs as well as the Ministry of Tourism who have backed Ahmad from day one.

High on talent

“I truly believe that Ahmad has the talent and passion to take motor sports in Oman to a much higher level. In fact, the sport needs role models like Ahmad,” said the former rally ace.

Ahmad Al Harthy now travels to the United Kingdom on a high given his recent racing success in Bahrain where he took third place in the Chevrolet Supercars.
On arrival in the UK, Ahmad Al Harthy is scheduled to embark on an intense testing programme before his first event.

“We go straight into testing the car, we plan to pack in plenty of miles before we begin the first championship race.

“We hope this season will be great one for ORT and for Oman,” said Ahmad with a confident smile.