Czech pilot Martin Sonka can now call himself a World Champion after winning one of the most dramatic races in the history of the Red Bull Air Race.

Sonka had to work hard from the beginning of Race Day, knowing that if he won here at the Texas Motor Speedway, he would walk away with the World Championship trophy.

He faced the leader, Michael Goulian, in the Round of 8 and had to fly last in the Final 4 to clinch victory.

Kirby Chambliss was first to fly in the Final 4 and set a competitive time of 54.064s. It was difficult to predict if this was fast or not due to the ever-changing weather today.

Ben Murphy was second into the track and was faster at all three split times, right up until the Finish Gate when he was marginally slower than Chambliss.

Championship hopeful Matt Hall was third and set a blistering time of 53.100s, which was enough to put him top of the timesheet with just Sonka to fly.

Knowing he had nothing to lose, Sonka went all out in the track and flew the perfect run, posting a 52.796s time, which saw him take the win and the 2018 title with it.

It’s been an amazing season for Sonka, he started it with two DQs and then went on to win four races – including here to take the title.

2018 World Championship Standings

Release www.redbullairrace.com