Monday, August 31, 2026

Sports News

Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy powers to sensational FIA WEC podium in Austin

Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy celebrates first-ever American podium as Team WRT’s No.46 BMW storms to second place in dramatic Lone Star Le Mans

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Monday, September 8, 2025

Austin, Texas – Incredible teamwork, patience, and determination powered Oman’s Ahmad Al Harthy and his Team WRT teammates Valentino Rossi and Kelvin van der Linde to a stunning second-place finish in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s sixth round, the rain-lashed ‘Lone Star Le Mans’ at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

Having qualified fourth on the LMGT3 grid, the trio overcame torrential rain, a red flag stoppage, multiple Safety Cars, and a late penalty for rivals to secure their second podium of the season – and Al Harthy’s first on American soil.

Al Harthy opened the race with a strong double stint under treacherous conditions before handing over to Rossi, who climbed into the top three but was set back by a drive-through penalty. South African star Van der Linde then delivered a breathtaking final charge, storming from 10th to second place in the closing half hour after switching to slick tyres on a drying track.

“This was unbelievable – one of the most dramatic races I’ve been part of,” said Al Harthy. “To stand on the podium in America, with all the support from Oman behind me, is something very special. This result is for everyone who has supported us.”

The result marks a remarkable comeback for the No.46 WRT BMW M4 LMGT3, which now turns its attention to the next round of the FIA WEC in Fuji, Japan.

Close