Red Bull Air Race Series Launches in Abu Dhabi

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Press Release, 10 March 2006

2006 Red Bull Air Race World Series Launches in Abu Dhabi

The 2006 Red Bull Air Race World Series takes off on 17th March under the Middle Eastern skies, in the spectacular setting of Abu Dhabi. Eleven world class pilots will be battling it out to decide who is the fastest and most skillful of them all. The Series consists of nine races that will take place between March and November around the world in countries including; Spain, England, USA, Australia, Germany and Turkey.

For the second year running, Abu Dhabi’s famous ‘Corniche’ will be transformed into a unique race track complete with it’s own specially built airport situated in the harbour, with seven hangars to accommodate all the planes. Last year 200,000 people turned up to witness the action, a record number of spectators in the history of events there. Due to increasing popularity, this year’s crowd is expected to be even bigger.

The Red Bull Air Race is a new aviation competition that requires pilots to execute complex precision-perfect manoeuvres through an obstacle course in the sky in the fastest possible time. It’s an extremely tough race that exerts the highest possible demands on flying skills and human endurance. Pilots fly close to the ground on an extremely tight course and are constantly subjected to acceleration forces which can reach up to 10G. There is no margin for error. Only the best of the best can take part and these guys are at the top of their game.

American Mike Mangold was crowned the 2005 Red Bull Air Race World Series Champion flying through the championship with a near perfect performance, winning a total of five out of the seven races. This year he faces some serious competition from his fellow pilots like Hungarian Peter Besenyei, American Kirby Chambliss or German Klaus Schrodt, who are all determined to steal the trophy from under his wing. They have a tough challenge ahead and Abu Dhabi is just the beginning. In the end it will be precision and skill that determines the next Air Race world champion.

ENDS

Website: www.redbullairrace.com

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