Muscat: The night was set for a thrilling continuation of the 2024 Le Mans race when an error by Ahmad Al Harthy resulted in his team’s withdrawal from the race. The incident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m., past the Dunlop Bridge, causing Valentino Rossi’s BMW M4 to suffer irreparable damage. Al Harthy, however, managed to bring the car back to the pit.

The first eight hours of the race had been a testament to the team’s strategy and execution. Qualifying 12th, Valentino Rossi and his teammates, Maxime Martin and Ahmad Al Harthy, capitalized on a brief downpour to climb to the top positions. Martin’s brilliant manoeuvring during the rain and Al Harthy’s steadfast defence set the stage for Rossi to take the lead.

Tragically, Al Harthy’s minor error led to an off-track incident, ending their bid for victory. The Omani driver emerged unscathed, but the damage to the car was beyond repair. In an Instagram post, Al Harthy expressed his disappointment and gratitude, vowing to return stronger. He thanked his team and supporters, acknowledging the crucial role of his sponsors and fans back home in Oman.