Hall ready for fight in Abu Dhabi Red Bull Air Race

Denzil Pinto 23:52 07/03/2016
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  • Matt Hall was runner-up in last year's Red Bull Air Race.

    Last season’s Red Bull Air Race runner-up Matt Hall has played down the favourites tag and believes it will be a tight battle for the title due to new rule changes and the strength of field.

    The Australian goes into the season opener in Abu Dhabi Corniche this weekend as the No1 pilot as he searches for his maiden crown. The 44-year-old will not have to think about world champion Paul Bonhomme, who retired last year following his third triumph in Las Vegas. But with former champions Hannes Arch, Kirby Chambliss and Nigel Lamb among the 14-pilot field, Hall insists it’s an open title race.

    “I guess statistically, it’s correct that I’m now the No1 competitor,” said Hall, who came second in Abu Dhabi last year.

    “You can say the one who is the No1 competitor should be the fav-ourite for the season. But saying that, everyone who is flying in this Air Race can win the championship.

    “Last year was very good for me and it would be great for me and my team to continue what we have been doing last season but everybody has a new season in front of them. The slate is wiped clean and everybody has a chance to win the championship.”

    For 2016, fresh changes have been implemented to make the championship even more competitive. While the Round of 14 – which sees the pilots go head-to-head with the winner and fastest loser advancing remains the same, the Round of 8 knock-out stage will be even tougher.

    For the first time, the eight pilots will be reseeded and head-to-head records will be based on their Round of 14 timings with the top four qualifying for the final.

    Hall fully supports the idea, ins-isting it will make it more exciting for the spectators while the pilots know there’s no room for errors.

    “Every round counts,” he said. “If I’m watching my competitor hit a pylon, I used to back off because I knew if I had a clean run, I would make it through. It means I and the other pilots have to be really fast and post a competitive time.

    “I think it makes the sport much fairer and I like the idea and the crowd will definitely notice the difference in the flying style.”

    Czech Republic’s Martin Sonka, who finished fourth overall last season, insists consistency will be key.

    “We had some excellent results in 2015 but consistency is important to win the overall championship, so this season we’re going to step up the team effort even more and leave as little as possible to chance,” he said.

    “We must be focused and after this race, we will know more about my plane and the season ahead.”
    The opening stop of the World Championship takes place on March 11 and 12.

    “This is the ninth time Abu Dhabi has hosted this exciting battle,” said Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC).

    “It is a spectacle which brings thousands to our wonderful Corniche to enjoy the thrills and marvel at the daring of this flying aces. It also delivers substantial  media exposure for the UAE capital worldwide.”

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