10-Race Season Kicks Off Thursday In Abu Dhabi

The Red Bull Air Race World Series 2008 starts in Abu Dhabi on April 10-11, with the first of 10 international races which will see 12 of the world’s top pilots competing in what is expected to be the most exciting season yet. After the closest finish in sporting history last season, American Mike Mangold will be back to defend his championship title against Brit Paul Bonhomme in what has now become a truly global motorsport.

The United Arab Emirates city is the traditional start for the Red Bull Air Race World Series, and for its fourth consecutive race, a unique track will be set up over the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf next to the famous Corniche stretch. As at all races, spectators will enjoy amazing views of the action enabling them to really appreciate the extraordinary speed, skill and courage of these incredible sportsmen.

Racing just meters above the sea, the pilots will navigate 20 meter high inflatable pylons called ‘Air Gates’, flying at speeds reaching 400 km/h and pulling up to 10 g.

This year’s opening race track will be different to previous years. For the first time ever, two separate Chicanes will be incorporated and to make it even more challenging, the pilots will have to constantly adjust to the wind conditions in Abu Dhabi which are notoriously unpredictable.

In 2007, four million spectators attended the 10 races held worldwide and over 400 million watched the Red Bull Air Race World Series on television.

After the drama of last season where the World Champion was only decided at the final race, the 2008 pilots, including newcomer Glen Dell from South Africa, have been working hard on their planes and strategies in preparation for this year’s competition.

The Red Bull Air Race takes place in close partnership with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The picturesque blue skies and dramatic Abu Dhabi shoreline will provide a spectacular backdrop for the first round of the international motor sports championship which will be one of the Middle East’s most breathtaking events of the year.

Qualifying takes place on Thursday, April 10, followed by Race Day on Friday.

FMI: www.redbullairrace.com