Barcelona Red Bull Air Race
The Red Bull Air Race comes to Barcelona on the 23rd June 2007 (qualifiers on
22nd). This race is an
exciting competition in which some of the world’s
best pilots compete against one another in a race based on speed, precision and
skill.
The competition involves ‘air racing’ where the aim is to fly around a
demanding aerial obstacle course as quickly as possible. Pilots are timed
individually as they navigate a tricky slalom course made up of 60ft high 'air
gates’. It's like Formula 1 in the sky!
Speed isn't the only factor as any mistakes wil incur penalty points which will
influence the final score of the pilots. The danger element is enormous as the
planes fly very close top the ground at speeds of up to 250mph whilst at the
same time negotiating the air gate obstacles. Such demanding skills guarantee
that only the world's finest pilots have the ability to compete in such an event
as the Barcelona Red Bull Air Race.
The original air races took place in the USA based essentially on speed but this
concept has been refined to focus more on skill with pilots flying some of the
lightest, most agile and responsive planes in existence. The first fully fledged
Red Bull Air Race World Series took place in 2005 in seven world venues
worldwide. This has now expanded to eleven locations this year including Barcelona
and involves 11 of the world's top fliers.
From the point of view of spectators this event is thrilling due to the
proximity of the crowds to the event. Standing at the water's edge in Barcelona
puts you so close to the action that you really get to see the amazing skills of
these pilots.
Find the schedule for the
Barcelona
Red Bull Air Race at their website.
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