The preparation started on Friday where all teams had a testing session, but was made very tough due to fast changing weather at the circuit. “Friday’s testing session was very challenging, the weather kept changing which meant that we had to keep changing the car setup for the different weather conditions, I used all the time available to familiarize myself with the track”, mentioned Ahmad.

Saturday which was saw two rounds of qualifying, where a total of 36 cars where all out to set their best times. “Unlike yesterday the conditions remained dry, we had no rain for both the qualifying sessions. I managed to qualify in 14th position for the first race, but on my second qualification I was only capable of 17th which was due to traffic on the track, where my fastest laps were compromised”, stated Al Harthy.

The Croft Circuit was busy with different British Automobile Racing Club (BARC) championship races on Sunday afternoon, but it was the Formula Renault that brought out the crowds to witness round two of the championship. The 5km race circuit is one of the most challenging circuits to both the car and the driver, the very fast straights and the uneven surfaces was going to prove a task for all drivers.

Oman’s Formula racer looked a lot more confident with his Formula Renault and straight from the start managed to gain a position, he had a very competitive race overtaking a total of 3 cars and finished in a respectable 11th out of 32 cars, just one place away from earning his first championship point.

Race two was a lot more difficult for Al Harthy who had to settle for 17th on the grid before the start, but once the race ended Ahmad was able to finish in 15th position. “Both races were very challenging, but I am pleased with my overall performance, we all know how competitive this championship is, the important thing is that we are moving forward and in the right direction.”

“I would also like to thank the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Sports as well as Bank Muscat and Oman Mobile for their support as well as everyone who has been very supportive to both me and the team” Al Harthy concluded.

Ahmad Said Al-Harthy Oman’s first Formula racer raced last year in Bahrain’s Thunder Arabia Middle East Series, it was an outstanding performance by Ahmad who finished 2nd in the overall standing just 4 points adrift from the series champion. The Middle East series consisted of 14 races with Ahmad finishing on the winners podium 10 times which was a championship record.