SPORTS – In 2019, the battle for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship will once again take flight in eight stunning locations, beginning with a traditional favourite and reaching its climax in a country that is a first-time host for the sport. The engines start on 8-9 February 2019.
Salzburg (Austria) – Fourteen of the planet’s best air race pilots, including new World Champion Martin Sonka (CZE), will spark their campaign for the overall title with the traditional season opener in Abu Dhabi, UAE on 8-9 February before moving to Europe for a springtime stop to be unveiled soon.
As the seasons change, the 370 km/h racing will move to Kazan, Russia for the third consecutive year, followed by the mid-summer classic of Budapest, Hungary, where the 25-metre-high Air Gates rise over the Danube. A September return to Japan’s passionate fans in Chiba is next, before the raceplanes will remain in Asia for the sixth showdown of the season that is yet to be revealed.
The rivalries will intensify as Indianapolis Motor Speedway once again hosts the penultimate race on the calendar. Once again, pilots will vie to add their names to the racetrack’s renowned legacy, as well as to clinch some of the last World Championship points available.
Ultimately, the excitement will peak at a season finale like no other: The 2019 World Champion will be crowned at the first Red Bull Air Race ever to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Red Bull Air Race 2019 Calendar
8-9 February: Abu Dhabi, UAE
TBA: Europe
15-16 June: Kazan, Russia
13-14 July: Budapest, Hungary
7-8 September: Chiba, Japan
TBA: Asia
19-20 October: Indianapolis, USA
8-9 November: Saudi Arabia
For ticket information and all the latest news on the Red Bull Air Race, visit www.redbullairrace.com.
ABOUT RED BULL AIR RACE
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is an aerial motorsport series that demands a combination of speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile, high performance race planes, pilots compete in iconic locations over water and land. The high speed, low altitude and extreme manoeuvrability required make it accessible only to the world’s most exceptional pilots.
Flying just metres from the ground, 14 Master Class pilots race against the clock whilst reaching speeds of up to 370 km/h, requiring a combination of precision and skill unmatched in the world of aviation. Pilots must be in peak physical condition as they endure forces up to 12G while navigating the technical racetracks made up of air-filled pylons.
The Air Race was developed in 2003 and is accredited by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), with more than 90 races completed across five continents. As the most advanced aerial challenge in existence, competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is the highest accolade for elite pilots.
A Challenger Cup feeder series was introduced in 2014 with the goal of facilitating the development of the unique skills required for the Master Class for the next generation of pilots.
RED BULL AIR RACE 2019
Pilots and rule changes for 2019 Red Bull Air Race World Championship
New pilots from Austria, Switzerland and the USA join the Red Bull Air Race Challenger Class
©Red Bull