Ahmad Al Harthy has confirmed that he will compete in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB for the third consecutive year, in 2012.

The 30 year old revealed his plans yesterday morning (21^st February) at a press conference held at the Muscat Intercontinental Hotel in his home country of Oman. His title sponsor will once again be Oman Air.

Al Harthy will continue to compete in the Pro-Am1 category of the series in which he finished an impressive third last season, securing twelve podiums from nineteen races which included two victories. His car will once again be prepared by last season’s championship winning team Redline Racing.

Al Harthy has had a busy winter. Since the end of last season’s British Carrera Cup he has made a handful of appearances in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East series, securing three podium finishes from six races, the highlight of which was a lights to flag victory in the FIA Formula One World Championship support race at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi in November.

Of the news Al Harthy said: “It’s incredible we’re returning to Carrera Cup GB. It’s one of the best motor racing championships in the world and it’s a huge honour to continue promoting Oman, and everything the country has to offer, through my racing on such a prestigious stage. I’m delighted too, of course, to have the continued support of so many incredible sponsors – it’s amazing. Retaining title sponsorship from Oman Air is fantastic and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the airline, as well as to my other incredible partners – the Ministry of Sports Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Nawras and National Bank of Oman. We are also extremely fortunate in being able to welcome a new partner for 2012, Muscat Eye Laser Centre, which is very exciting.

 “We had an amazing season last year in Pro-Am 1 and we’re aiming for even more podiums and wins this year. Being with Redline Racing for a third season was never a doubt, the guys there are the best in the business and always do a perfect job. With the extra experience from racing in the GT3 Cup Challenge Middle East I’m confident we can have a great season back in the UK.”

The season begins on the weekend of the 31^st March/1^st April at Brands Hatch.

Tom Surgay is the Porsche Carrera Cup GB correspondant for 2011. Tom's currently studying English Language with Journalism at Huddersfield University. You can contact him at tom@btcccrazy.co.uk or on twitter @tsurgay.