Aerobatic pilots will rule over Abu Dhabi skies this weekend
abu dhabi — 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.
“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.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com