Matthias Dolderer, Nicolas Ivanoff, Martin Sonka, Aref Al Awani and Erich Wolf
Abu Dhabi - The pilots are already training and planes can be seen above the corniche.
Published: Wed 8 Feb 2017, 9:28 PM
Last updated: Thu 9 Feb 2017, 2:49 PM
Countless possibilities exist in any situation and it depends on the vision of a person to take that miraculous path to glory. At the Red Bull Air Race 2016, it was Frenchman Nicolas Ivanoff who produced a special effort to edge Germany's Matthias Dolderer by 0.110 seconds to the crown. Residents can look forward to such and more enticing battles as 14 pilots take to skies on Friday as the new season starts at Abu Dhabi Corniche. The pilots are already training and planes can be seen above the corniche.
Red Bull Air Race general manager Erich Wolf is confident of a grand show as Abu Dhabi hosts the 10th opener.
Red Bull Air Race 2016 Abu Dhabi champion Nicolas Ivanoff shares his views on the event starting from Friday. Video by Ryan Lim
"The teams have been arriving with exceptional focus and determination, and the pilots are eager to add their names to the 10-year legacy here by winning this 75th World Championship race," Wolf said during a Press conference on Wednesday. "Abu Dhabi is closely associated with the best in motorsport, so you can be sure that the racing will set a high standard for the season," he added.
Abu Dhabi Sports Council general secretary Arif Al Awani said the Red Bull Air Race will help educate the next generation.
"This is one of the main races on our agenda and an annual calendar highlight. This will help improve Abu Dhabi's position as the 'Sports Capital of the World' and add value to sports tourism," Awani said, calling upon everyone to be out there to enjoy the exciting diamond jubilee season.
Matthias Dolderer went on to win the overall title last year but has got a tough act to replicate with another crown in the Capital. Across nine seasons so far, only Paul Bonhomme has managed to capture two crowns consecutively and he has retired now.
Dolderer is confident of a good outing. "These are perfect weather conditions for flying. I am focusing on consistency. Everything is possible but nothing is guaranteed."
Abu Dhabi's defending champion Nicolas Ivanoff aired a warning. "We have nice surprises for this year."
Meanwhile, Czech Republic's pilot Martin Sonka is in awe of the beautiful Capital. "It's difficult to be focused on the race as the view outside is so beautiful."
Free practice sessions start from Thursday, qualifying is on Friday and main race on Saturday.
Where it all began
The Red Bull Air Race was established by Red Bull GmbH in 2003. It's an event where world's best compete in a pure motorsport competition that combines speed, precision and skill. Pilots use the fastest, most agile, lightweight racing planes and hit speeds of 370kmh while enduring forces of up to 10G as they navigate a low-level slalom track marked by 25-metre-high, air-filled pylons. In 2014, the Challenger Cup was introduced, giving new pilots the chance to develop low-altitude flying skills.
Previous winners in Abu Dhabi
> 2016 Nicolas Ivanoff (France)
> 2015 Paul Bonhomme (Great Britain)
> 2014 Paul Bonhomme (Great Britain)
> 2010 Paul Bonhomme (Great Britain)
> 2009 Hannes Arch (Austria)
> 2008 Paul Bonhomme (Great Britain)
> 2007 Peter Besenyei (Hungary)
> 2006 Kirby Chambliss (US)
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
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