UAE to host opening round of Red Bull Air Race

And this year the opening championship round will be the centerpiece of a Red Bull Air Race festival designed to create a community event with exciting air shows, special encounters with the pilots, live broadcasts from Port Zayed, home to the Red Bull Air Race temporary airport, aircraft displays as well as concerts and family fun activities along Abu Dhabi’s signature Corniche.

The event marks the sixth anniversary of Abu Dhabi’s relationship with the Red Bull Air Race World Championship, with the UAE capital leg being held under the patronage of HH. Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

“Dramatic footage of this battle for the skies set against the enticing setting of the Corniche takes Abu Dhabi’s name to the watching world while providing a superb event for the entire community to enjoy,” said Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, which supports the race.

“We are really excited to be kicking off the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Abu Dhabi for what will be our sixth race in the stunning United Arab Emirates capital,” said Bernd Loidl, CEO of Red Bull Air Race.

Flying at speeds reaching 370 km/hr (230 mph) and defying up to 12 gs, the pilots will navigate unique and demanding race tracks, negotiating their way through 20 metre high inflatable air gates in their bid to become the 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Champion.

With the dazzling race format, ambitious talents to shake up the hierarchy and the top pilots from around the world, 2010 promises to be another year of thrills, upsets and nail-biting tension.