ABU DHABI – The 2010 Red Bull Air Race World Championship opens in Abu Dhabi on 26/27 March, returning to the United Arab Emirates capital for the sixth consecutive year. The world’s top 15 pilots will start their six-month long battle for championship points in the first of eight races on a total of five continents.

Defending champion Paul Bonhomme of Britain and Austria’s Hannes Arch, the 2008 champion will resume their thrilling duel over the sparkling turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf on Abu Dhabi’s famous Corniche. Arch, who won the 2009 race in Abu Dhabi but finished second overall to Bonhomme, has worked hard on improving his aircraft during the off-season and will be looking to get back in front of his British rival.
 
“Abu Dhabi is one of the most challenging races on the calendar because you don’t know what the other guys have been doing over the winter,” said Arch, who is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. “Your team doesn’t have a race rhythm yet and no one’s quite sure how strong their planes are relative to the others. I’m looking forward to the race. I’m the hunter now rather than being hunted.”

Race History Abu Dhabi

2009 Hannes Arch (AUT)
2008 Paul Bonhomme (GBR)
2007 Peter Besenyei (HUN)
2006 Kirby Chambliss (USA)
2005 Peter Besenyei (HUN)