ABU DHABI // After a three-year break the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is returning to the skies above Abu Dhabi's Corniche at the end of this month.
From February 28 to March 1 the capital’s coastline will once again host the opening round of this year’s seven races on a course between the Corniche and the breakwater.
“Abu Dhabi is no stranger to Red Bull Air Race,” said Alberto Chahoud of Red Bull.
“In fact, the city has hosted the largest number of races since the championship’s official launch back in 2005,” he said.
Abu Dhabi will be hosting the Red Bull Air Race for the seventh time, following six consecutive years until 2010.
Mr Chahoud said the championship took the three-year break to upgrade aspects of the race and introduce new elements.
“There will be a number of technical improvements, including standard engines and propellers, changes to the lightweight nylon pylons to make them easier to burst apart once clipped by plane wings, as well as raising the height of the pylons so they are passed through at an altitude of 20 to 25 metres.”
He also said the rules had been tightened to prevent pilots from exceeding the set limits.
Of the 11 competing pilots from nine countries, Paul Bonhomme from the UK, twice a champion before, is looking to make it three in a row.
“I’ve missed the flying in Red Bull Air Race because the competitive racing is just fantastic for the pilots,” he said.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
