Martin Sonka could not have asked for a better start to this season’s Red Bull Air Race Championship as the Czech Republican took his first-ever pole in his bid of claiming his maiden triumph.
Travelling in speeds of up to 370kph and forces up to 10G, the 38-year-old used all his experience to set the pace in 52:097 seconds as visitors to the Abu Dhabi Corniche were treated to a spectacle of low altitude action.
Just moments earlier, USA’s Michael Goulian set a blistering time of 52.458s but his stay at the summit was over within five minutes as Sonka showed why he was the quickest in the practice session with a fine clean run when it really mattered in qualifying.
If Sonka wants to reach the top of the podium, he will have to overcome Slovenia’s Peter Podlunsek in the Round of 14 stage as well as getting through the Round of Eight and Final Four stages.
“This is my first ever win in qualifying so I’m really happy,” said Sonka. “The most important thing will happen tomorrow but it’s good that we know we can fly fast.”
While Kirby Chambliss, champion in 2004 and 2006, rediscovered his form to finish in third place, there was disappointment for defending champion Matthias Dolderer.
Going last in the skies as the top-ranked pilot, the German received a two second penalty for incorrect flying level at Gate 14, finishing the 15-gate track in 11th in 54.695.
“I know there will be a lot of pressure on me and I will continue pushing,” said Dolderer.
Meanwhile in the Challenger Class, last season champion Florian Berger set the pace in 59.689s.
Slovenia's Peter Podlunsek putting the final touches in practice before #RedBullAirRace qualifying @Sport360 pic.twitter.com/6QBMhu86r3
— Denzil M Pinto (@denz_360) February 10, 2017
Martin Sonka tops qualifying at #redbullairrace @Sport360 pic.twitter.com/Z6jImU9oe8
— Denzil M Pinto (@denz_360) February 10, 2017
