Latest news with #BMWM4GT3
Times of Oman
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Al-Manar Racing by Team WRT secure fifth place in Gold Cup class at Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa
SPA (BELGIUM): Al-Faisal Al-Zubair, Jens Klingmann, Ben Tuck and Neil Verhagen picked up valuable points for finishing fifth in the Gold Cup category at the Crowdstrike 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium on Sunday. After qualifying their Al-Manar Racing by Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 EVO down in ninth place for the flagship event in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup powered by AWS calendar third round, the quartet quickly made their way into the top five and held fourth place briefly on a few occasions on the demanding Spa-Francorchamps circuit. In front of a record crowd of over 128,000 people who witnessed the weekend's action, the Al-Manar Racing crew completed 546 laps but were just two short of the triumphant Racing Aston Martin and the second-placed Garage 59 McLaren that lost out on a potential victory with a tyre issue in the final hour. The CSA Racing McLaren finished third and the Wright Motorsport Porsche was fourth on the same lap as the Al-Manar Racing by Team WRT BMW. The result keeps the team firmly in contention for the Drivers' and Teams' Championships. They now hold second in the Team's series and third in the Drivers' Championship. Al-Faisal Al-Zubair said: 'The race was not the greatest for us in terms of the result. But, the most important thing was that we did the best we could with the power they gave us with the BMW. 'We saw here that no BMW had the pace to fight for the win this year because of BOP (Balance of Performance). We got an extra 15 kilogrammes (weight penalty) after qualifying. I think that was unjust. I am happy that we finished the race and it is important to gain points for the championship, especially after six hours, 12 and 24. It's tough though after the success of winning last year. 'It wasn't easy. We drove well with no penalties and our averages were consistent. We had a bit of contact in the night but that was due to another driver. Luckily, the car was fine and we finished the race. It wasn't what we aimed for but you cannot win them all. We still have half the season remaining so we have plenty of time.' Klingmann took the wheel for the first session and started the race from ninth in the Gold Cup category. After three laps, the German had climbed to seventh with the Herberth Motorsport Porsche leading the way in the hands of Joel Sturm into the second hour after 24 laps. Tim Heinemann then took over the leading Porsche and Tuck replaced Klingmann in the Al-Manar Racing BMW but the team slipped back to ninth in the changeover. The crew managed to climb to fifth through the 4hr 30min hour mark but slipped back to seventh through 6hr 30min. During the night stint, after 10hr 30min, they had moved back up to fourth and then slipped back to fifth shortly after daybreak. They retained fifth through mid-morning With six hours remaining, Klingmann was again at the wheel and the Al-Manar Racing car was in fifth with the Racing Aston Martin leading the way. Klingmann climbed to fourth with 5hr 40min on the clock but Verhagen took over for the next stint and the team was back in fifth place with four hours left on the clock. The Garage 59 McLaren then snatched the lead. Tuck was give driving duties for the final session and the Briton safely brought the BMW to the finish in fifth place in the Gold Cup section. Thursday morning's free practice session was the Garage 59 McLaren card the quickest lap of 2min 17.422sec to get the better of the Herberth Motorsport Porsche and the Team RJN McLaren. A dozen Gold Cup crews took part in the session and Al-Manar Racing's Verhagen topped the times in the BMW with a lap of 2min 19.042sec. Team RJN's Ben Dörr topped the times in Q1 with a run of 2min 25.102sec, as Al-Zubair slotted into fourth behind Paul Motorsport and Garage 59. The Garage 59 McLaren topped the Q2 times in the hands of Frederik Schandorff and Verhagen was third quickest behind the Tresor Attempto Racing Audi. The Garage 59 machine again topped the standings in Q3 in the hands of Dean Macdonald and Ben Tuck was down in fifth place in the Al-Manar Racing BMW. Louis Prette was again on top for the Garage 59 crew in Q4 but Klingmann was down in 11th position in the Al-Manar Racing BMW. With all the times combined, pole position went to the Racing Aston Martin from the two Porsches of Herberth Motorsport and Wright Motorsports. Al-Manar Racing by Team WRT qualified in ninth position. The Al-Manar Racing by Team WRT BMW returns to action at Misano for the next round of the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup on July 18th-20th. TEAMS – latest Gold Cup standings 1. Racing 91pts 2. Al-Manar Racing by Team WRT 69pts 3. CSA Racing 66pts 4. Garage 59 33pts 5. Optimum Motorsport 30pts 6. Tresor Attempto Racing 29pts 6. Paul Motorsport 29pts 8. Team RJN 26pts, etc DRIVERS – latest Gold Cup standings 1. Lulham/Vermeulen/King 91pts 2. Rougier/Gachet/Kell 66pts 3. Al-Zubair/Klingmann/Tuck 65pts 4. Pla 33pts 5. Prett/Smalley/Macdonald 31pts, etc
TimesLIVE
22-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Kelvin van der Linde helps Rowe-BMW to Nürburgring 24 Hour victory
Rowe Racing managed to secure victory in the 53rd running of the ADAC Ravenol 24h Nürburgring after a close contest with the Manthey Racing 'Grello' Porsche 911 GT3. The #98 BMW M4 GT3, driven by Augusto Farfus, Jesse Krohn, Raffaele Marciello and South Africa's Kelvin van der Linde, completed 141 laps to finish just over a minute ahead of the Manthey Porsche crewed by Kevin Estre, Ayhancan Güven and Thomas Preining. Though the Manthey entry crossed the line first, it was relegated to second place after incurring a 1:40 time penalty. The team had lodged a protest against the penalty, but it was dismissed by race stewards shortly before the end of the race. The result marks Rowe Racing's second overall win at the Nürburgring 24 Hours after its 2020 triumph and is BMW's 21st victory in the event. For Van der Linde, who celebrated his 29th birthday during the weekend, it was a third Nürburgring win after previous victories in 2017 and 2022. Farfus added a second title to his 2010 win, while Marciello and Krohn each claimed their first. Third place went to the #54 Dinamic Porsche shared by Bastian Buus, Matteo Cairoli, Loek Hartog and Joel Sturm. 'Things looked very different for us on Thursday,' said Rowe team principal Hans-Peter Naundorf. 'We had completely different thoughts. But of course you always want to win. Today, it wasn't the fastest car that won, but the team that made the fewest mistakes. That was us and we are proud of that.'
Muscat Daily
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Muscat Daily
Beyond the finish line: Al Harthy's journey of pride and passion at Le Mans
Le Mans, France – As the world turns its eyes to the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend, Oman's very own Ahmad al Harthy returns to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for a third time – this year behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 with Team WRT. With a Le Mans podium already under his belt and growing support from BMW Oman, BMW Middle East, and national partners, Al Harthy continues to fly the Omani flag high on the global motorsport stage. BMW Group Middle East caught up with him ahead of this year's race to talk preparation, passion, and national pride. Ahmad (al Harthy), you're returning to Le Mans for the third time. What does this race mean to you personally, and how does it feel to represent Oman on one of motorsport's biggest stages? First of all, coming back here for the third time is very emotional. To be able to race and represent Oman, the GCC, and everyone from the Arab world is a very proud moment for me. Le Mans is something I've been following since childhood. To me, it's the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it's a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I'm looking forward to this third experience. From your first Le Mans podium in 2023 to now racing in the ultra-competitive LMGT3 category with BMW, how have you evolved as a driver – technically, physically and mentally? Absolutely. It couldn't have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and hungry. As a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I've had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I'm ready, physically, yes; mentally, it's the challenging part. Ahmad, what is the first thing you think of when you sit behind the wheel of your BMW M4 LMGT3, especially at Le Mans? That's a tough question. The first thing is realising how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don't experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it's the same in that sense. This is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the 'Road to Le Mans' in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025. Endurance racing is a team sport, what has the chemistry been like with your WRT teammates, including Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde, heading into this year's race? You mentioned a very important point: teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it's all about teamwork. It's not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the grid. We spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It's not just about seeing each other in the race car; it's what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don't always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver. You've had strong backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey. How important has that local support been in helping you compete at the highest level of endurance racing? When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW's support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I'm proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I've been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride in. Now, over a year and a half into the BMW family, I'm starting to speak the same language. It's exciting to share my experiences with customers and M Clubs members, as well as M enthusiasts, discussing not just racing but also car performance and the emotional connection we have with the cars. I believe it's important for them to truly enjoy their cars in a controlled environment, like a racetrack. What message would you like to share with young Arab and Omani athletes watching your journey — especially those dreaming of competing internationally? The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it's time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. To reach Le Mans, you must come through the ranks, and I hope my presence here creates a path for that. I want to motivate the younger generation to believe that they can be here and achieve their dreams. It takes time, and we need to understand that these things cannot be accomplished overnight. It's a tricky formula, but it's worth it. You're inspiring a lot of people. We know it wasn't an easy journey for you to reach where you are now, and we appreciate that. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best of luck. Thank you! I give it everything I have. I want to use this opportunity to thank my family for believing in me and supporting me. It takes a family to support your dreams and to go through all the ups and downs over the years. I also want to thank everyone who has supported me, including BMW Oman, BMW Middle East, all my sponsors, and government organizations. Even those who may not be with us now played a crucial role in planting the seeds for this journey. I'm grateful for all the support.
Al Bawaba
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Beyond the Finish Line: Ahmad Al Harthy's Journey of Pride and Passion at Le Mans
As the world turns its eyes to the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend on 14-15 June, Oman's very own Ahmad Al Harthy returns to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans for a third time - this year behind the wheel of the BMW M4 GT3 with Team WRT. With a Le Mans podium already under his belt and growing support from BMW Oman, BMW Middle East, and national partners, Ahmad continues to fly the Omani flag high on the global motorsport stage. BMW Group Middle East caught up with him ahead of this year's race to talk preparation, passion, and national pride.'Ahmad, you're returning to Le Mans for the third time. What does this race mean to you personally, and how does it feel to represent Oman on one of motorsport's biggest stages?'First of all, coming back here for the third time is very emotional. To be able to race and represent Oman, the GCC, and everyone from the Arab world is a very proud moment for me. Le Mans is something I've been following since childhood. To me, it's the greatest 24-hour race on the planet. More importantly, it's a place where I truly enjoy racing and driving around, and I'm looking forward to this third experience.'From your first Le Mans podium in 2023 to now racing in the ultra-competitive LMGT3 category with BMW, how have you evolved as a driver - technically, physically and mentally?'Absolutely. It couldn't have started any better for me. Finishing on the podium in my first-ever 24-hour race was unbelievable, and I still get goosebumps when I think about it. The race was filled with so much emotion. Coming into 2024, my first race with BMW here was going well, but unfortunately, the weather affected us. We feel we have unfinished business, which makes us even more determined and a driver, every time you compete in these events, you mature and gain a deeper understanding. I've had quite a few 24-hour race experiences, but Le Mans is always different. When you ask if I'm ready, physically, yes; mentally, it's the challenging part. Le Mans is a demanding circuit because the speeds are very high for extended periods. We are also racing alongside Hypercars and sharing the circuit with that level of speed always pushes your concentration to the limit. I believe that every year we come back, we are slightly stronger. We must take all the positives and learn from every single lap, every single turn.'Ahmad, what is the first thing you think of when you sit behind the wheel of your BMW M4 LMGT3, especially at Le Mans?'That's a tough question. The first thing is realizing how blessed I am to share the track with some truly iconic names in motorsport. I often reflect on my early days in motorsport, and it fills me with emotions. I also get excited by the speed because it presents a massive challenge. You hear sounds and see things that you don't experience at any other racetrack in the world. I have certain spiritual rituals that I perform for all race weekends, and it's the same in that is my third 24-hour race, but I have competed at the 'Road to Le Mans' in 2017 and 2019, and I was fortunate enough to stand on the podium three out of four attempts. I feel that this race has been very kind to me, and I hope to continue that streak in 2025.'Endurance racing is a team sport, what has the chemistry been like with your WRT teammates, including Valentino Rossi and Kelvin Van Der Linde, heading into this year's race?'You mentioned a very important point: teamwork. For us to win and achieve great results at any endurance weekend, it's all about teamwork. It's not just about the three drivers; it involves everything from the pit crew to the engineering and support teams. Everyone must be on the same page. The harmony we share at Team WRT is something unique compared to many other teams on the spend a lot of time together; we are like a family away from home. It's not just about seeing each other in the race car; it's what happens behind the scenes. This closeness allows us to operate at a much higher level. Endurance racing is a long journey, and while it may feel like a sprint, you don't always need the fastest drivers to achieve the best results. You need drivers who can work together. We complement each other and focus on making the car the fastest, rather than just one driver.'You've had strong backing from BMW Oman throughout your journey. How important has that local support been in helping you compete at the highest level of endurance racing?'When we first announced our move to BMW, it was an exciting partnership. BMW's support on and off the racetrack means a lot to me. I'm proud to be an ambassador for the brand, and I've been a fan since I was young. Having a manufacturer support you from your home country in the Middle East is something I take great pride over a year and a half into the BMW family, I'm starting to speak the same language. It's exciting to share my experiences with customers and M Clubs members, as well as M enthusiasts, discussing not just racing but also car performance and the emotional connection we have with the cars. I believe it's important for them to truly enjoy their cars in a controlled environment, like a racetrack.'What message would you like to share with young Arab and Omani athletes watching your journey — especially those dreaming of competing internationally?'The main message is that in motorsports, there are no shortcuts. We would love to see more Arab drivers coming through the ranks. We have some of the best circuits in the world, and it's time to develop these drivers correctly without taking shortcuts. To reach Le Mans, you must come through the ranks, and I hope my presence here creates a path for that.I want to motivate the younger generation to believe that they can be here and achieve their dreams. It takes time, and we need to understand that these things cannot be accomplished overnight. It's a tricky formula, but it's worth it.'You're inspiring a lot of people. We know it wasn't an easy journey for you to reach where you are now, and we appreciate that. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best of luck.'Thank you! I give it everything I have. I want to use this opportunity to thank my family for believing in me and supporting me. It takes a family to support your dreams and to go through all the ups and downs over the years. I also want to thank everyone who has supported me, including BMW Oman, BMW Middle East, all my sponsors, and government organizations. Even those who may not be with us now played a crucial role in planting the seeds for this journey. I'm grateful for all the support. With the hopes of a nation behind him and the experience of two Le Mans appearances already in his toolkit, Ahmad Al Harthy stands ready to write the next chapter in his remarkable racing journey. Whether you're watching from the grandstands or cheering from Oman, one thing is clear - Al Harthy is racing for much more than the finish line!
Belfast Telegraph
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Dan Harper admits his disappointment as drive-through penalty dents Detroit Grand Prix challenge
The reprimand in the closing stages of the series' Fourth Round – the Detroit Grand Prix – meant Harper and his Paul Miller Racing team-mate Max Hesse crossed the line seventh. It was meted out by stewards after Hesse was deemed to have made contact with one of the Fords as he attempted to find a way past, with the penalty costing them valuable time. Despite struggling to get their BMW M4 GT3 in the right operating window on the low-grip, street-based circuit, they still managed to bag a second-row start for the 100-minute race. That laid the foundations for a potential high points haul and even a silverware challenge – and Harper started in positive fashion as he moved ahead of the sister Paul Miller Racing car when the lights went out. He maintained the position throughout his stint before he handed the reins to Hesse, who kept up his push for a spot in the winners' enclosure. However, the coming-together with the Ford saw both drivers' good work come to nought and leave them provisionally sixth in the standings on 1128 points after four rounds – 170 in arrears of AO Racing Porche duo Klaus Bachler and Laurin Heinrich who lead the table. 'It was a disappointing race to end a tricky few days in Detroit,' reflected the Hillsborough man. 'We struggled through free practice on Friday as we tried to get the car in the right window on the low-grip circuit and could not quite match the pace of our GTD Pro rivals. 'Qualifying in fourth was better than we expected, we were happy with that, and the race started well, getting into the top three, but unfortunately, it slowly unravelled from there. 'Quicker cars were able to jump ahead on pit stop strategy, and then a small mistake from Max led to contact and a penalty. We salvaged some points with seventh, though, and we will push for more next time out,' added Harper, who is next in action across the Atlantic later in June at the 3.4-mile Watkins Glen International circuit in the state of New York. In their own backyard, Ford was handed a popular GTD Pro triumph thanks to the No.46 crew of Seb Priaulx and Mike Rockenfeller. They steered their Multimatic Motorsports-run Mustang GT3 to a 1.623-second win from the No.3 Corvette Racing and Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R co-driven by Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims. Pfaff Motorsports' Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 was the last of the podium finishers.
