(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Having secured two successive Pro-Am class podium finishes in the first two rounds of the 2019 Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup, Oman's Ahmad al Harthy and his Oman Racing team of Salih Yoluc and Charlie
Eastwood, are hoping to be third-time lucky as they chase their first win of the season at the 1,000km contest at the Paul Ricard circuit in France on June 1.
The annual six-hour 'into the night' race at the Le Castellet track is the third round of the Blancpain Endurance Cup and serves as a perfect preparation for teams ahead of the championship's biggest race – Total 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium in July.

Heading into the midway point of the current campaign, Oman Racing is second in the Pro-Am standings and just three points shy of the top of the championship.

Oman Racing had begun its campaign with a third-place in Monza, Italy, and then finished runner-up in its class at the Silverstone circuit in the UK.

The trio has displayed good pace so far in its new No 97 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 car, which is powered by British squad TF Sport.

Ahmad, Eastwood and Yoluc arrive at Paul Ricard high on confidence, having sealed successive pole positions. Coupled with two podium finishes, the trio is positive on achieving victory in the six-hour race.

'Paul Ricard is the highlight of the Blancpain season. We love competing there and the evening race is obviously one of the most spectacular in GT racing,' said Ahmad. 'It's been a good season so far, two podiums from two races is exactly what we wanted to achieve. We will try to keep the momentum going at the weekend,' he added.

The Muscat-based racer said, 'It's very close at the top of the championship, so consistent scoring is vital. We are confident and looking for our first win of the season.'

A large grid of 49 cars will compete with teams having free practice and pre-qualifying on Friday. The final qualifying and the race will be held on Saturday.

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