A spectacular six hour challenge awaits the Oman Racing Team this coming Friday and Saturday as the Kent-based squad heads to the South of France for round 3 of the Blancpain Endurance Cup on the stunning Paul Ricard circuit (June 24/25).
The only six hour contest on the European championship calendar, the 1000km race is also viewed by many as a warm-up to next month’s Total 24 hours of Spa event with the race running into the late evening – finishing at midnight.
Ahmad Al Harthy, Jonny Adam and Devon Modell are back behind the wheel of the #44 Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 as the sole representatives of the iconic British marque. The Oman Racing Team trio face formidable competition during the event with over 57 GT3 cars expected to line the grid representing entries from the many of the world's most prestigious marques and teams.
After a strong start to the season that saw the squad celebrate its maiden class podium on home soil last time out at Silverstone, the Oman Racing Team heads to France in confident form with it all still to play for. Currently in second place in the Pro-Am Team and Driver standings, the Oman-backed line-up sits just 3 points off Endurance Cup leaders Black Falcon.
“Paul Ricard is one of my all-time favourite places to go and visit;” commented Team Principal David Bartrum. “I love the place. It’s a fantastic facility and a circuit that’s unrivalled in this Championship.
“Ahmad, Jonny and Devon have done a sterling job so far this season, getting a fourth place in Monza and then following up with our first Blancpain podium at Silverstone was very special for the team so we’re heading to France looking for more of the same.
“It’s going to be very tough with almost 60 cars on the grid;” continued Bartrum. “Being a six hour race the team will need to be absolutely on it for the pit stops especially with us racing into the night and with the changing light conditions.”
“The next two events are massively important to us and our championship aspirations;” added the Team Boss. “With so many points at stake we need to stay in the fight and we need to get these next two events right. The drivers are definitely up for it and so are the team.”
Friday’s track action gets underway with the Bronze Test at 10:00 local time; followed by free practice and pre-qualifying sessions at 14:10 and 17:05. Qualifying for the six hour contest runs from 09:45 – 10:45 on Saturday morning with the race scheduled to commence at 18:00.
Live streaming of Saturday's qualifying sessions and full race will be available online via the official Blancpain Endurance Series website: http://www.blancpain-gt-series.com/live with additional live coverage on MotorsTV from 16:30.
MotorsTV can be found on the following channels: Sky 447 and Virgin 545.
Driver quotes:
Ahmad Al Harthy: “Everyone at the team is really looking forward to being back in action this weekend, it’s been a long break since Silverstone and so we’re all hungry to be back out in the car. Taking the podium there really was a dream result for us, all of us have worked so hard to be in this position and we plan to be every bit as competitive at Paul Ricard.
“So much can happen in a six-hour race, of course, but if all of the preparations go smoothly and we can have a trouble-free qualifying then I’m sure we’ll be in good shape for the race. I know Jonny and Devon are looking forward to the challenge as much as I am, it should be a fantastic event.”
Jonny Adam: "It feels like a long time since we were last out at Silverstone so we’re all raring to get going again this weekend. Paul Ricard is a stunning circuit and we’re heading there in good spirits after our podium at Silverstone.
“I think it’ll be tough this weekend with a lot of teams using the race as a warm-up to Spa, but we have every chance of being competitive again this weekend and going for another podium to keep the pressure on the Pro-Am championship.
Devon Modell:“I’m really looking forward to getting back in the car with Ahmad and Jonny this weekend. Paul Ricard is a fantastic circuit and is an incredible place to race at night. It was such a high to get the podium at Silverstone and after such a strong start to the season we need to keep the momentum going into the next two crucial rounds for our Championship bid.”
