Event To Be Held In Lleida, Catalunya Spain June 1

A new series of international Formula 1 Class air racing competitions has been announced by London and Spain-based international air race organizers Air Race F1, with the first event planned for Lleida-Alguaire Airport, near Barcelona in Spain, on June 1st. The organizers way the race will showcase the skills of the world's premier Formula 1 air racing pilots and their high-performance planes. This inaugural race will be the platform to launch a full annual world series of Air Race F1 events in 2015.

Air Race F1 says it is the only international pylon air race series where eight airplanes compete directly against each other at speeds of over 250 mph on an end to end circuit of just 1.2 miles with the first aircraft across the finishing line winning. The organizers say they have worked hard to ensure the race is both safe and successful for all involved. For this event, the national F1 air racing associations of the USA, the UK and France have confirmed the provision of experienced pilots – men and women, old and young – who come from many different countries and who all have a level of skill and experience that ensures a safe event.

The Formula 1 class of air racing has been established for almost 70 years and, like other motorsport classes, the planes are specifically engineered to strict parameters. Formula 1 planes are the only airplane class purpose-built specifically for air racing. Pilots and mechanics teams build and modify the planes themselves within the criteria of the rules which dictate a minimum wing area of 66 square feet, an empty weight of 500 pounds and a 100 horsepower engine.

The upcoming Lleida Air Race F1 event will consist of eight teams racing together over ten 3.1 mile (5 kilometer) laps with at least three races each day.  More information about the air race schedule and the full list of Air Show entertainment to take place alongside the air race will be announced soon.

“This is a big step for the sport of air racing and we are proud to be hosting the event in conjunction with the beautiful tourist city of Lleida," said Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race F1. "We are particularly delighted by our strong partnership with the new international Lleida-Alguaire Airport, the Formula 1 air racing associations and our local organizer, the Aeroclub Barcelona-Sabadell. This momentous event will enthuse and inspire many thousands of live spectators and television audiences!”

“Lleida is a growing tourist destination perfectly situated to enjoy a wide range of winter and summer activities," said Ramon Farré Roure, the Lleida Delegate to the Government of Catalunya. "Now we are pleased to add another exciting attraction to our country’s calendar. Our association with Air Race F1 will help raise the international profile of our city and highlight the travel services our new international airport has to offer. We look forward to developing this relationship with Air Race F1.”

(Image captured from Air Race F1 YouTube video)

FMI: www.airracef1.com