The first race of the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship takes off in Abu Dhabi, returning to the capital for a sixth consecutive year

The world’s top 15 pilots will start their six-month long battle for championship points in the first of eight races on a total of five continents, starting high in the skies above the Corniche.

The Red Bull World Championship is an international series of air races in which competitors have to navigate a challenging obstacle course in the fastest possible time. Pilots fly individually against the clock at speeds reaching 370 kph, while enduring forces of up to 12 Gs, as they navigate unique and demanding slalom race tracks made up of 20 metre high inflatable air gates.

Abu Dhabi has been a popular fixture on the Red Bull Air Race calendar ever since the World Championship officially began in 2005. The warm temperatures and unpredictable winds make it one of the most challenging tracks and a favourite for the veterans.

“We’re delighted to be back in Abu Dhabi to kick off the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship,” said Bernd Loidl, CEO of Red Bull Air Race.

“We’re looking forward to another exciting race and being back in the same spot as last year where spectators can enjoy perfect front row viewing from the public beach at the Abu Dhabi Corniche.”

Loidl said spectators will also have the opportunity to meet the pilots and see their planes during the ‘Public Pit Lane Walk’ on Friday at the race airport located at the Municipality Harbour.

“We hope fans will take advantage of the chance to meet the pilots and see their incredible planes up close.”

Defending champion Paul Bonhomme of Britain and Austria’s Hannes Arch, the 2008 champion will be two of the favourites for the opening race of the season. Arch, who won the 2009 race in Abu Dhabi but finished second overall to Bonhomme, has worked hard on improving his aircraft during the off-season and will be looking to get back in front of his British rival.

“Abu Dhabi is one of the most challenging races on the calendar because you don’t know what the other guys have been doing over the winter,” said Arch, who is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
“Your team doesn’t have a race rhythm yet and no one’s quite sure how strong their planes are relative to the others. I’m looking forward to the race. I’m the hunter now rather than being hunted.”

Bonhomme and Arch won’t have it all their own way though. Other pilots who are expected to make life difficult for them include Americans Kirby Chambliss, the 2006 champion, and Michael Goulian, who won his first race last year with a thrilling victory in front of 650,000 spectators in Budapest. France’s Nicolas Ivanoff, who was fourth last year, and Britain’s Nigel Lamb will also be aiming to be in the hunt for victory and championship points.

Qualifying takes place on Friday (26th March) followed by Race Day on Saturday (27th March), doors open at noon and the action starts at 2pm on both days.

Tickets for the Qualifying Day start at AED 450 for adults and AED 250 for children. Race Day tickets start at AED 850 for adults and AED 510 for children. 2-day tickets are also available starting at AED 1,100 for adults and AED 660 for children. Visit www.redbullairrace.com or call 800 AIRRACE (800 247 7223) for more information.

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