Hungarian Red Bull pilot Peter Besenyei won the first round of the Red Bull Air Race World Series 2007 which took off today in its first round here in Abu Dhabi. The race in the UAE once again took place over the water along the city’s famous ‘Corniche’, where it witnessed a fierce competition between Mike Mangold, USA, and Peter Besenyei, Hungary, but it was the latter who had the upper hand and was able to win the race, scoring 1:26.24 while Mangold scored 1:27.27.
“Abu Dhabi round was a difficult race. The new track was very challenging, however I feel comfortable racing here. I’m glad to win the race and lead the championship and looking forward to race in Rio.” Commented Peter Besenyei
The race drew thousands of spectators from all over the UAE who defied the hot temperatures (nearly 40 degrees Celsius) to watch the only innovative and exciting aerial motor sports in the world.
The event was held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and with the support of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. His Highness Sheikh Hazza along with H.H Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan attended the event and visited the site, runway as well as the media centre.
The event start started at around 1:30pm with a sky diving show performed by a group of sky divers from the UAE National parachute team. The display of skills was magnificent, as the team held the pictures of UAE President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The crowds were treated to an exciting show by newcomer Hannes Arch who roared his engine through the 1.4km aerial racetrack. This was followed by the start of the Elimination round as the 12 remaining pilots went head to head in a knock-out system, racing individually against the clock with the fastest qualifying for the top eight spots of the quarter finals.
The first eight positions were occupied by Mike Mangold (USA) and Michael Goulian (USA) in Heat 1, Steve Jones (GBR) and Kirby Chambliss (USA) in Heat 2, Paul Bonhomme (GBR) and Frank Versteegh (NED) in Heat 3 and Peter Besenyei (HUN) and Alejandro Maclean (SPN) in Heat 4.
A thrilling quarter final saw only the fastest four pilots’ Mike Mangold, Kirby Chambliss, Paul Bonhomee and Peter Beseyei move to the semi final round. Chambliss scored the fastest time (1:28.63) in this round. In the semi final round, Mike Mangold competed against Kirby Chambliss while Paul Bonhomme competed again Peter Besenyei.
The final was a showdown between the two unbeaten survivors of the knock-out rounds Peter and Mike, where the first beat his rival after setting up the fastest time and excellence in performance. At the prize giving ceremony, H.H Sheikh Hazza prize giving distributed the trophies to the three winning pilots.
Manoeuvring low to the surface through inflatable Air Gates, pilots reached speeds of around 400 km/h and faced forces of up to 10G during the Air Race. 14 pilots from around the world competed against the clock in this high-performance aerial motor sport race. The 2007 Red Bull Air Race Series will be held in four continents and will visit 12 Cities: Abu Dhabi (UAE), Rio De Janeiro (Brazil), Monument Valley (USA), Istanbul (Turkey), Barcelona (Spain), Interlaken (Switzerland), GB (TBC), Budapest (Hungary), Porto (Portugal), San Diego (USA), Acapulco (Mexico) and Perth Australia.
It is worth to mention that more than 150 international and national media members attended and covered the two-day event; visiting the temporary airport site at Port Zayed for the qualification round, as well as the location of the Red Bull Air Race at Corniche Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Race Classification
Position Pilot
1 Peter Besenyei
2 Mike Mangold
3 Paul Bonhomme
4 Kirby Chambliss
5 Steve Jones
6 Frank Versteegh
7 Alejandro maclean
8 Michael Goulian
Red Bull Air Race Series Classification
Position Pilot Points
1 Peter Besenyei 6
2 Mike Mangold 5
3 Paul Bonhomme 4
4 Kirby Chambliss 3
5 Steve Jones 2
6 Michael Goulian 1
