Qualifying for Round 1 saw very extreme weather conditions with temperature bellow zero degrees and snowfall. “ A very exciting way to start the first qualifying session of the season, we all knew it was going to be very cold, but with snow falling and bellow freezing weather conditions made everything a lot harder. We had 20 minutes for the first session and it was very difficult for me to set a fast time due to all the action happening on track, which hampered my chances to set a fast lap”. Mentioned Ahmad.

Al Harthy started the first race from 15th on the grid; the race conditions were very similar to the qualifying conditions with a mixture of snow and rain, causing very slippery track conditions. This however played very well on Oman’s young star whose true talent showed in these harsh conditions. Ahmad’s great start saw him climb into the top ten in just under 3 laps, the race was later re-started due to cars spinning of the track, this only played to Al Harthy’s favor, another great start saw him climbing to 6th position. “ I was very disappointed to start from 15th because we all new my true pace was a lot quicker, it was going to be very difficult to over-take her at Brands Hatch, but anything is possible in racing and I was thrilled to finish 6th and to get championship points in my first race was a boost. My car’s setup was perfect and felt very comfortable to keep pushing, I have never driven in conditions like this, and it was a very tough challenge”.

Qualifying for Round 2 witnessed much better driving conditions, qualifying was always tough for Al Harthy in the previous year, but that soon ended when he managed to get his best qualifying position so far. Ahmad recorded a best lap time of 46.328 with an average speed of 150 km/h on the 2 km Indy Circuit putting him 3rd on the grid for the second race, just 0.071 seconds away from pole sitter Hillspeed teammate Manasheh Idafar (UK).

Race conditions were good for the second race and Al Harthy managed to have a good start and keep his 3rd position, but the race had to be re-started gain due to other cars stopping. The restart got the better of Al Harthy who was passed into the first turn dropping him to 4th position, which he managed to keep till the end of a shorted race. “ Brands Hatch is a very technical and tight track, we always witness re-starts here, for the first race it worked extremely well, however it cost me one place for the second race. Slightly disappointed to just miss out from the podium, but overall extremely satisfied with how things turned out for the first two rounds. I got my best qualifying position as well as a best race finish,” mentioned Al Harthy.

Al Harthy who signed to race with Hillspeed for 2008, is continuing his partnership with the team from last year. “ I am delighted to be racing with Hillspeed, they are the best team in my opinion on the grid, and this is highlighted with our results in the first 2 rounds. My debut season was perfect with them and know we hope to keep scoring points and getting good results for this season.” Al Harthy said.

Team Principle Richard Ollerenshaw added: “We are delighted to have signed Ahmad for the 2008 Formula Renault BARC championship. Our pre-season testing went very well, Ahmads timings were very competitive, setting his personal best at every race track we visited. Round 1 and 2 at Brands was hampered by the weather , but overall I am pleased with his driving and his ability to score valuable championship points ”

When asked about who is supporting his 2008 campaign. “ As of yet we have not secured any partners for my 2008 season, I hope we can announce it soon and my results can only aid us in this matter. Its worth pointing out that without the 100% support from my family it would have been impossible for me to be here, I’ve tested in March more then I have tested in my entire 2007 season and the benefits are showing, so I thank them and everyone who has given me the moral support I need.” Mentioned a thankful Al Harthy.

Al Harthy’s next race is scheduled for the 19th/ 20th of April at the modern Rockingham circuit.