Abu Dhabi will once again experience the high speed and low altitude action as the Red Bull Air Race World Championship begins in the capital this weekend.
While all eyes will be on the skies, there’s plenty of on-ground entertainment that spectators can look forward to.
On Friday and Saturday, 14 pilots in the Masters category as well as eight Challenger competitors begin their quest for world glory on the Abu Dhabi Corniche from 12:00.
Known as the fastest motorsport in history with aircrafts reaching speeds of 370kph and with new competitors and rule changes, and the vacant world crown following the retirement of three-time champion Paul Bonhomme, it looks set to be an exciting opener.
While spectators will be left in awe by how fast the pilots travel with an eye of clocking the fastest times to advance to the next round, at the free-admission Red Bull Air Race Fan Village near Marina Mall car park, the entertainment will certainly keep you busy.
Open from today until Saturday, B-Boy battles, parkour aerobatics, skateboarding and BMX stunt shows are on agenda from 16:45.
Kuwaiti BMX athlete Mansour Al Safran will be showcasing his extraordinary skills throughout the three days. He will be joined by parkour professional athlete Abudi Alsagoff and skateboarder Jan Hoffman, who is no stranger to the UAE.
Add top flatlander Viki Gomez, football freestylers and a DJ to the line-up, and you will not be short of options for entertainment.
Above ground, 44-year-old Matt Hall enters the race ranked as the number one pilot. Despite competing since his debut in 2009, the Australian has yet to taste world success with last season’s runner-up his best position.
With Bonhomme absent, his chances of a maiden title have got slightly easier. But with the 14-pilot field consisting of three former champions – Nigel Lamb (2014), Hannes Arch (2008) and Kirby Chambliss (2004 and 2006), he knows he faces a big challenge over the eight race season.
“There’s plenty of guys here who will be amazing competitors for the whole season,” he said.
“Just because Paul (Bonhomme) isn’t going to be here, it doesn’t mean the season will be any easier for us.
“All the competitors are just as good. If you look at this field, everyone is strong through the races and people have beaten me
before.”
In the Challenge category, the competition is equally impressive with five-time French aerobatic champion Melanie Astles, the only woman in the eight-person field.
With everything to play for, Hall insists the two-day event will provide a thrilling spectacle.
“For sure, the race is more spectacular live than it is on television,” said Hall, who finished runner-up in Abu Dhabi last year.
“If anyone has the opportunity to watch it live, then come down to the Corniche.
“You will be absolutely amazed at how fast we are flying, how tight we are turning and how low we are, which the TV doesn’t represent correctly.”
