MUSCAT : The result marked the Oman Racing Team’s second podium finish in five rounds, bringing a positive end to its debut season with Century Motorsport and the BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

Al Harthy described the season as an important learning experience, highlighting the team’s progress in building coordination, understanding the new car and adapting to the demands of international endurance racing.

He said the two podium finishes exceeded the team’s initial expectations and provided a strong foundation for future competitions.

Looking ahead, Al Harthy confirmed that preparations are underway for a bigger and more competitive racing programme in 2027, with ambitions to challenge for European and world endurance championship titles.

The Omani driver, who began his endurance racing journey in Europe in 2013, said the championship has grown significantly over the years, attracting leading manufacturers and international racing stars, including Formula One champion Max Verstappen.

Reflecting on the challenges of the 2026 season, Al Harthy identified the team’s failure to finish the Spa 24 Hours race in Belgium as a major setback.

He explained that the championship awards points at the six-hour and 12-hour stages, as well as at the finish, making consistency and race completion crucial to securing a strong overall position.

Despite the disappointment, he said the team demonstrated competitive speed and gained valuable experience in handling demanding races featuring between 50 and 70 cars across different GT3 categories.

Al Harthy also highlighted the significance of the team’s performance at Italy’s Monza circuit, where he had previously secured victories in both the Bronze category and overall race standings in 2024.

Returning to the podium at Monza in 2026, he said, boosted the team’s confidence, particularly as regulatory changes have made outright victories more challenging for Bronze category competitors.

The season finale in Portugal presented another test, with the race beginning before sunset and continuing into the night. Al Harthy said maintaining a steady pace and taking advantage of opportunities to recover positions were key to securing the podium finish.

A veteran of major endurance competitions, Al Harthy has competed in the World Endurance Championship and prestigious races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Spa 24 Hours, representing different manufacturers throughout his career.

He recalled his second-place finish in the Bronze category at the 2023 Le Mans race as one of his proudest achievements, describing the opportunity to represent Oman on the podium as a defining moment.

He also highlighted the significance of the Bronze Cup standings, with the leading driver in the combined sprint and endurance rankings earning an invitation to the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Al Harthy confirmed that his association with BMW will continue, recalling his selection to compete alongside Italian motorsport legend Valentino Rossi in the World Endurance Championship as another major career milestone.

Beyond sporting achievements, Al Harthy stressed the importance of using international motorsport as a platform to promote Oman and strengthen business connections between Omani companies and international partners.

He credited the continued support of government institutions, sponsors, partners and his family for helping sustain his international racing career.

With European endurance racing remaining a priority, alongside opportunities in Asian championships and major 24-hour events, Al Harthy said the focus is now on building a stronger team capable of consistently challenging for podium finishes and championship titles in 2027.

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