Al Harthy finishes 3rd in Formula Renault Winter Series at Donington

Donington UK : Oman’s Racing Team driver Ahmad Said Al Harthy scored his first podium in the United Kingdom this weekend in the Formula Renault Winter Championship.

Al Harthy who joined the two round Winter Series Championship after completing a successful first season in the UK took part this weekend at the 3.149 kilometer Donington International Circuit. Ahmad impressed from the start; he set his personal best time of 1min 7.041 sec in qualifying putting him 4th on the grid 0.8 sec from pole sitter Lloyd.

With a packed grid of over 30 cars Al Harthy had a great start but dropped two places in the first 4 laps avoiding an incident on the track, however he picked up his pace and showed his true speed overtaking climbing back to fifth in lap 8 followed by a great overtaking move into the final chicane which saw him back in 4th place, with 5 laps remaining from the 20 lap race Ahmad kept the pressure on and was able to make his way to 3rd place in his Formula Renault earning him his best finish in the UK so far with a podium finish.

“ I am delighted with this amazing result, it’s a good feeling to be on the podium, all the hard work is paying off, it was a very tough race and I hope to be back here on the podium at Croft “, mentioned Al Harthy when asked about his race in the post race conference.

“The track conditions were very tricky, as soon as the race started there was a slight drizzle which made the track very slippery, but midway through the race the track dried out and I was able to push, my Hillspeed team in the UK did their best to give me a competitive car and that showed in today’s results”

Al Harthy is competing in the Formula Renault Winter Series is preparing himself for next years 2008 Formula Renault BARC championship. The Winter Series is known to be a very strong Championship for drivers to train and has seen drivers like Lewis Hamilton in 2001 compete.

“To be racing among the fastest drivers in the UK is only going to make me stronger, I thank my family who have supported me from the start and its with their support I am able to compete in the Winter Series”.

Al Harthy takes part in a double header on the 10th of November at Croft in the final round of the Formula Renault Winter Series.