ABU DHABI, 17 March 2006 — All of 11 pilots have already landed here for today’s Red Bull Air Race World Series, with full hands on the technical set-up of their airplanes, teams briefing and trainings. Members of the journalistic fraternity covering the event gathered at Mina Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi Corniche and joined the Paddock Walk, where 11 airplanes of different types, colors and specifications have been lined up for the event. The Corniche has been transformed into a unique racetrack complete with its own seven hangars runway to accommodate all the planes. When the 2006 Air Race World Series kicks off with the support of Abu Dhabi Ministry of Tourism, the race will be over the water’s surface with thousands of spectators on hand to witness the event.
The series consists of nine races that are scheduled to take place in March and continue up to November around the world in countries including Spain, England, the United States, Australia, Germany and Turkey. “And for every World Series race on each continent, a comprehensive safety and emergency system has been implemented,” the organizer said.
In Abu Dhabi, a boat with doctors and lifesaving equipment will be available to take care of any accidents. In addition, there will be three divers and a minimum of eight lifeguards that are supported by a local emergency crew.
To support the ambulance crew, the camera helicopter is also deployed for transportation in the event of a serious accident.
The air race, which is being staged for the second year running, is a new aviation competition that requires pilots to execute complex precision-perfect maneuvers through an obstacle course in the sky in the fastest possible time. It is 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. ‘There is no margin for error. Only the best of the best can take part and these are at the top of their game,” he added. American Mike Mangold was crowned the 2005 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 form under his wing.
