Wrotham based Oman Racing will debut the Aston Martin V12 Vantage in the GT3 at the Gulf 12 hours in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

The Oman Racing Team will debut the Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 during the Motorbase-run squad’s maiden contest in the prestigious Gulf 12 hours at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE on December 10-11.

The Yas Marina circuit plays host to the prestigious event and Motorbase will be contesting the races with Darren Turner and Jonny Adam joining Ahmad Al Harthy behind the wheel of the Vantage.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, David Bartrum said: “Darren and Jonny have enjoyed a successful partnership with Aston Martin in WEC and it’s great to be able bring that harmony into the Oman Racing Team line-up alongside Ahmad.

“We’ve met many people from the UAE through our involvement with Ahmad and the team has built up quite a following in the region. This is a nice way to say thank you for the support we’ve received over the years and I’m delighted to be able to take such a strong line-up to compete in front of Ahmad’s home crowd.”

With over 22 entries confirmed for the fifth Gulf 12 hour event, the Aston Martin faces fierce competition from Ferrari, Nissan and Porsche in the overall class – which includes defending champions AF Corse.

“The Gulf 12 hour race is a big event for the Oman Racing Team; it’s like Ahmad’s home Grand Prix;” continued Bartrum. “It will be the first time that a Motorbase-run squad has competed in this part of the world and also marks the Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s debut in the race – so expectations are high.

“Yas Marina looks like a fantastic circuit and facility and we’re all very much looking forward to racing on it.”

Following a special two-part format; the Gulf 12 hour is evenly split into two, six-hour races separated by a two-hour break in which teams are permitted to work on the cars.

Action gets underway at the Yas Marina circuit on Thursday 10^th December with free practice and qualifying sessions before the opening 6 hour stint of the race at 9.30am local time (05.30am UK time) on Friday 11^th December, with the final six hours of the race scheduled to commence at 5.45pm (1.45pm UK time).

Images courtesy of Peter May/ P M Images