With the return of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship to the UK only weeks away (16 – 17 August), the unique event is being showcased by a high-adrenaline video of the two leading UK Red Bull Air Race pilots flying over the beautiful UK countryside in Bedfordshire.
The video shows Paul Bonhomme, current World Champion and fellow UK pilot, Nigel Lamb, in training mode as they gear up to the action-packed event. During the Championship, Paul and Nigel navigate a low-level aerial track made up of air-filled pylons, 80 feet high at speeds of up to 230 mph, so having the skill and power to handle their planes is a critical role during the race.
Before heading to the historical Ascot Racecourse, the pilots were taking time out from training and celebrated their love of the skies by jumping into the cockpit of an eighty-year-old single-seater Spitfire, one of Britain’s finest aircrafts, which was used by the Royal Air Race during the Second World War.
The plane is one of the last surviving and working planes in the UK and the pilots had the privilege of taking her out over the beautiful British Isles.
Racing in the stunning English countryside, Paul and Nigel show off their skills in this new and exclusive video in preparation for the event at Ascot on 16/17 August – click here to view:
Paul Bonhomme, current reigning Red Bull Air Race pilot, said: “It is fantastic to get the opportunity to fly around the British Isles in the spitfire with fellow UK pilot before the Championship comes to the UK in August. It gives us the chance to relax, compare notes and ride in an uncompetitive mode so we can enjoy the flight experience. However, getting around the course in this spitfire would be a challenge but would be fun indeed.”
Nigel Lamb, one of the most experienced pilots on the circuit, said: “I am doubly lucky as my father flew spitfires during the Second World War so to have the chance to practice in this classic machine is a privilege. This pre-event training puts you in a state of mental preparation where you have a clear picture in your mind of what you are going to have to achieve.”
Paul added: “Ascot is going to be a very special event with the added home pressure for the both of us – but I’m just going to enjoy every second.”
Paul is the most successful pilot in the history of the Red Bull Air Race, currently in 2nd place on the leaderboard and within reaching distance of the world title for the third time. Nigel Lamb, is one of most accomplished and respected pilots in the Championship and has returned to the series with a bang, currently in 3rd place – meaning training flights and pre-event preparation are very important.
Tickets are still available to watch the Red Bull Air Race at Ascot on 16th and 17th August, please visit www.redbullairrace.com
