Not for the first time, the skies will be the centre of attention at the Abu Dhabi Corniche this weekend as the capital hosts the opening race of the Red Bull Air Race Championship.
A total of 14 Master Class and nine Challenger pilots begin their quest for glory as the emirate once again experiences the high speed and low altitude action on Friday and Saturday.
But the races are just a fraction of what the spectators can look forward to, with plenty of on-ground entertainment in the free admission Red Bull Air Race Zone Activation.
Situated near Marina Mall, the Zone is open from 16:00 to 23:00 from Thursday to Saturday with skateboarding and BMX shows just some of the activities on the agenda.
Among the athletes on show will be Viki Gomez. The Spaniard has wowed the fans with his mindblowing BMX Flatland tricks and the three-time world champion insists Abu Dhabi will not be left disappointed.
“The Red Bull Air Race Activation Zone is fantastic as it gathers everyone together from the world of Red Bull,” he said. “It is certainly a must to visit the Zone as it’s a great chance to meet people like me in person and take a selfie.
“I’m certainly looking forward to this and I will try my best to make the best tricks and show why I have won the world title.”
Another man who will take to the stage is Petr Kraus. For more than a decade the three-time world champion has been showcasing his trial biking skills at exhibitions and he can’t wait to perform in the UAE.
“I’ll perform most of my skills and I’m sure it will be fun to ride and perform at the Red Bull Air Race Zone Activation,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to this event and it’s a great place to see different adrenaline sports.”
The season opener will have special significance given it’s the 75th race since the competition launch in 2003. At speeds of 370kph with forces up to 10G, competition will certainly be fierce with Matthias Dolderer the man to beat, having clinched last season’s title.
Hospitality tickets are now available and with previous editions being hugely popular, this year’s two-day spectacle is going to be no different.
“The teams have been arriving with exceptional focus and determination, and the pilots are eager to add their names to the 10-year legacy here by winning this 75th World Championship race,” said Erich Wolf, general manager of the Red Bull Air Race.
“Abu Dhabi is closely associated with the best in motorsport, so you can be sure that the racing will set a high standard for the season.”
