Oman Air’s involvement in UK motorsport steps up a gear this season with the announcement that the airline is to become full title sponsor for Ahmad Al Harthy’s participation in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship 2011.

This will be the second season that Al Harthy, an Omani and one of only a handful of international drivers from the Gulf, has raced in the Championship. The ramping up of Oman Air’s sponsorship recognises the success of his debut season, in which he achieved six podium places and was ranked fourth in the Pro-Am 1 category.

Following the announcement, a delighted Ahmad Al Harthy said:

“I am thrilled to be returning to the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship this year and would like to thank Oman Air, without whose support, and that of my other sponsors, I would not be racing. It is a privilege to be flying the flag for the Sultanate of Oman and I cannot wait until the opening race of the season at Brands Hatch, in April.”

Oman Air’s Chief Officer, Corporate Affairs, Philippe Georgiou, added:

“Ahmad Al Harthy is a superb ambassador for the Oman Air brand, and for the Sultanate, and we are proud, as full title sponsor, to be supporting his participation in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship for a second year running.

“Last season, Ahmad showed outstanding skill and determination in the face of extremely tough competition and we are sure that he will achieve even greater success this year.”

As part of the Redline Racing Team, Ahmad Al Harthy will be racing in all 19 of the Championship’s races, which begin at Brands Hatch in Kent on 2nd/3rd April and conclude at Silverstone in Northamptonshire on 15th/16th October.

A major highlight of the Championship will be the visit in late June to the world-famous Nürburgring-Nordschleife in Germany, where he will hope to improve on his performance last year at France’s iconic Le Mans circuit.