Abu Dhabi Week is all revved up as the worldwide winged spectacle Red Bull Air Race returns to the capital
After a three-year hiatus the Red Bull Air Race flies back into the capital to launch the 2014 championship. One of the world’s most exciting motorsport events will see high-flying stunts pulled off in front of thousands of spectators at Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Established in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race was designed to challenge the speed, accuracy and skill of the world’s most elite pilots in a thrilling aviation race. Over the years the race grew to become the multiple-city championship that we know today. Since its inception, pilots have competed all over the world from Rio de Janeiro, Stockholm and Reno to Perth, Ontario and Istanbul. After the 2010 series, Red Bull cancelled championships in order to revamp the series and apply new safety measures. This year the action-packed race is back and it all kicks off in our capital.
The race
The first of seven races staged in six countries, the Abu Dhabi leg is sure to open the championship in style as twelve pilots from ten countries compete for glory. Defending 2009 and 2010 champion, Briton Paul Bonhomme, hopes to secure a hat trick win at this year’s race. Dubbed ‘the one to beat’, Bonhomme is arguably the sport’s most decorated pilot, boasting 13 wins and 36 podium appearances since the sport began. Typically British in nature, the friendly and polite pilot shows his competitive colours when flying and it clearly pays off. Coming from a family of pilots, Bonhomme is also a captain for a commercial airline, flying Boeing 747s around the globe and was even awarded the prestigious Guild Sword of Honour by the Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators in 2010.
Winner in 2008, Austria’s Hannes Arch and American Kirby Chambliss who took the title in 2004 and 2006 are sure to give Bonhomme a run for his money this year. The three former champions will be joined by the likes of fellow Briton Nigel Lamb, Japanese contender Yoshi Muroya and Hungarian Peter Besenyei.
Over the five to six kilometre course, the twelve master pilots weave in and out of a series of floating pylons, known as air gates, at speeds of up to 370kph. The boys aren’t winging things as they execute split-second moves high above the water, testing their control and precision. The first day of racing will act as a qualifier, with knockout rounds held on the second day.
During the championship’s three-year break, a number of technical improvements were made, including implementing standard engines and propellers for all planes; altering the lightweight pylon material so they will break apart easily when struck by plane wings; and raising the height of the pylons from 20 to 25 metres.
Challenger’s Cup
For the first time in its history, the Red Bull Air Race this year offers eight eager pilots the chance to fly in the championship’s final race. Competing in at least three of the races, the six pilots that qualify will fly against the elite twelve in China. The cup will give the motorsport’s next generation of pilots the support they need from established competitors. Master pilot Nigel Lamb who flies for the Brietling team has paired up with 26-year-old French contender Mikael Brageot. With Lamb’s help, Brageot hopes to make a smooth transition from aerobatic flying to motorsport racing through mental preparation, planning and a few helpful hints from the pro.
Catch the action
The Corniche’s 8km of glistening sandy beach offers spectators the perfect view to catch all the action as pilots whizz overhead. Meanwhile, visitors in the grandstand can enjoy a seated view of the overhead action while benefiting from the giant screens that broadcast the manoeuvres from cockpit to Corniche.
This year the dedicated, purpose-built race village offers unbeatable views of the action with the capital’s impressive and ever-expanding skyline in the background. Two hospitality lounges – Race Club and Sky Lounge – offer visitors a welcoming way to watch the race over the two days.
The pilots take to the skies from 28th February to 1st March from 1pm. Admission to the Corniche is free. AED 195 for Grandstand tickets; AED 850 for Race Club; From AED 3,300 for Sky Lounge. For more information, visit: www.redbullairrace.com
Red Bull Air Race 2014 calendar
Abu Dhabi, UAE
28th February to 1st March
Rovinj, Croatia
12th to 13th April
Putrajaya, Malaysia
17th to 18th May
Gdynia, Poland
26th to 27th July
Ascot, UK
16th to 17th August
Dallas Forth Worth, USA
6th to 7th September
Las Vegas, USA
11th to 12th October
China (City TBA)
1st to 2nd November
