Defending champion Nigel Lamb and two-time winner Paul Bonhomme will go head to head in the first knockout duel after contrasting qualifying sessions at the Abu Dhabi Red Bull Air Race on Friday.
With the session reduced to one lap due to strong wind shifts in the morning, it was Bonhomme, winner in Abu Dhabi last year, who clocked the fastest time of 0:57:178 at the Corniche.
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He pipped Australia’s Matt Hall (00:57.800), while Japan’s Yoshihide Muroya was third in 00:59:093.
But Bonhomme faces the toughest possible opponent in Lamb in Saturday’s Round of 14 stage. The Breitling Racing Team pilot had a nightmare afternoon on Friday, suffering his first disqualification in seven years after being too low between Gates 9 and 10.
With the first knockout stage pitting the fastest pilot against the slowest, the duel will mean one Briton could make an early exit.
“It’s my first low call in seven years,” says @Nigellamb about today’s DSQ. Tough Quali for defending World Champ pic.twitter.com/z6NE5B8opm
— Red Bull Air Race (@Redbullairrace) February 13, 2015
And Bonhomme, who finished third in the championship last year, expects a tough challenge against Lamb.
“I’m not going to take anything for granted,” said the 50-year-old, who is aiming for his third win in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s no secret that I’m not a fan of the head-to-head system having put in all that hard work in clocking the fastest time because now I will be facing the world champion.
“It’s a perfect example that pilots are not fans of the rules but it is what it is. Nevertheless, I’m ready to race and put on a good show against Nigel.”
Bonhomme, who has 15 race victories since the competition began in 2003, added: “I’m very pleased today and have proven that we can put on a fast time when need be. All I did today was be the fastest in Saturday’s qualifying session but Sunday is another day and a new challenge.”
RACE DAY! There’s an air of excitement building at the race airport, as the teams do last minute prep. #AirRace pic.twitter.com/zZXJamCOrt
— Red Bull Air Race (@Redbullairrace) February 14, 2015
Lamb, 58, lamented his performance, saying the conditions had played no part in his disqualification.
He said: “The conditions were perfect. I was very much looking forward to putting a fast time but it didn’t happen. Sport is all about highs and lows. Sometimes you have a bad day in the office and doesn’t go your way. It was good track conditions and had to take good cuts to get decent times but the track isn’t simple.
He added: “I haven’t been flying as fast as Paul this week but our aeroplane is going well and hopefully I can win tomorrow.”
Earlier, two-time champion Kirby Chambliss’ posted 01:00:036, the fourth fastest time and his reward is a heat against veteran Peter Besenyei. The Hungarian, winner of the inaugural edition in 2003, was 11th fastest with 01:02:208.
The winners of Saturday’s Round of 14 stage will advance to the Round of 8 and then the final, where the four fastest pilots will fight it out in the season opener.
