The Red Bull Air Race Championship Season Opening Results

After a three-year hiatus, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship has returned. Before the eyes of 100,000 spectators under the blue sky in Abu Dhabi, the most exciting three-way battle unfolded.

(c)Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool

Race track preview (video) is available here.

Qualifying Rounds

Each pilot flew two laps of the course twice for time attack. Faster time decided the opponent in TOP 12.

Muroya hit a pylon during the first attack. He was under high pressure for the second attack but made it well. He placed 9th in the qualifying flights and proceeded to the final.

*Qualifying Result

The Top 12 Round

Starting this season, a new race format is being used. Two pilots are matched up against each other to compete head to head in six heats, based on their performance in the qualifying rounds.

Muroya (9th after the qualifying round) competed against Hannes Arch (4th after the qualifying round) in Heat 3. A knock-out system was used in the Top 12 Round. Although Muroya flew without making any huge mistake, his opponent, the 2008 champion Hannes Arch, flew his best time and defeated Muroya.

Among the pilots who lost in their heats, the two that were the fastest can move forward to the Super 8. 

Muroya barely missed being a “fastest loser” by 0.24 second and was unable to make to the Super 8. He finished 9th overall in Abu Dhabi. 

*TOP 12 Result

*Super 8 Result

*Final 4 Result

Muroya’s Comment

Although he did not make to the Super 8, Muroya nevertheless had a crisp, skillful performance from beginning to end in front of huge audience after having a three-year interval. Despite the unsatisfactory results, he was undaunted after the race.

“Hannes flew his best time, and I was not able to surpass him,” said Muroya. “I didn’t achieve my best time, and, unfortunately, I missed the Super 8. Battles are strenuous in the Red Bull Air Race. Once again, I’ve realized that I can’t win unless I keep pushing myself even in the smallest moments. By analyzing engine data, I should be able to figure out why I got behind other pilots. I will improve my flight performance drastically in the next race in Croatia. Having finished the first race of the season, I just want to thank my fans in Japan. There are seven races still left in this season, so please keep watching!”

・・・・・

Race highlights video is available here.

*Overall Results

Posted by Team MUROYA Racing