Red Bull champ says he is getting better with age
abu dhabi — Nicolas Ivanoff is the defending champion at the Abu Dhabi Red Bull Air Race and come Friday, he is astutely looking to defend his title.
The Frenchman got chatty with Khaleej Times on getting better with age and his preparations to avoid mid-air ‘surprises’.
He started his 2016 season with Abu Dhabi win and finished in Top 5 despite missing a race.
“The goal for this year is to have a similar start and continue the same level,” he said looking at first of the eight races this year.
Ivanoff became an aerobatic pilot in the 1990s and started his first season in 2003.
He said age is not at all a factor in this sport. “I feel much better and stronger than I did 10 years ago,” the 49-year-old said in matter-of-fact tone.
He sees himself in the business till 2027. “I can continue for 10 more years. It’s all about experience. The champion three years ago was a 60-year-old.”
He said unlike preparing from the childhood for race car competitions, there are no small planes in air race. “No go-kart or goplane. So, you can’t start young.
“Also, if you want to run you can do that for hours but you can’t fly for long hours, it’s physically draining and expensive. I can’t do without a sponsor,” he said. Ivanoff prepares well for a race.
“Few hours before flying, I can feel the pressure but when it’s just seconds left, I just want to go out. I prepare myself during the winter by doing exercise, running and bicycling. And just before the flight, I prepare myself mentally. I will get the track in my head a lot of time. I learn it so as to avoid any surprise once I am in the air. Practice is important as you can feel the Gforce and it’s the best way to prepare. Also, ample amount of sleep is very important while going into the race.”
On the technology changing the scene, he said: “We have changed a lot with techniques and modifications to the plane with aerodynamics. It may be the same old body but totally different inside.”
Ivanoff loves being in Abu Dhabi. “I like the public reaction and it’s very encouraging.”
Ivanoff, however, rues not getting any time to do sightseeing in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. “In all these years, once I had been to Dubai desert safari. This year too there isn’t any time for tours.”
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com