Red Bull Air Race Championship veteran Peter Besenyei is hungry to reclaim the title, 11 years after winning his first in 2003. Since then, the Hungarian’s best finish in the championship has been second in three consecutive years – 2004, 2005 and 2006.
“I have twice been overall second and now this is the time to win the title,” said the 57-year-old, who has competed in the championship since it’s inception in 2003.
“I believe the [Corvus Racer] plane is now in very good condition and the competition is now more fair with the standard engines, and the Hungarian Corvus Racer will be very competitive,” added Besenyei, who has had an excellent record in Abu Dhabi with four podium finishes in the past. Besenyei believes safety was never an issue when the championship was discontinued in 2010.
“I believe safety was never an issue. The Red Bull Air Race has always had the highest safety standards, though every system can be improved,” added Besenyei, who first flew a glider at age 15.
Besenyei has worked as a test pilot for the Hungarian Aviation office and as an aerobatics flying instructor. He progressed to become one of the most popular sportsmen in his home country for years thanks to his unrivalled flying successes.
Besenyei also became famous around the world for his awe-inspiring skill as he flew upside down under the Chain Bridge that spans the Danube River in Budapest.
Meanwhile, German pilot Matthias Dolderer is targetting a top-four finish in what will be his second season in the World Championship. The 43-year-old is relatively new to the championship but already has one podium finish after coming third in Barcelona in 2009.
“With the same standard engines and propellers it means we are all the same,” said the German. “It is difficult to say which aeroplane will be the fastest. But having trained hard, I’m pretty positive about everything.
“If everything goes well we can achieve a top-four finish in the championship.
“The most fascinating thing about the race is the low level flying, the precision and the speed,” added Dolderer.
