Last Red Bull Air Race in Hungary – PHOTOS, VIDEOS

Photo: MTI / Tamás Sóki

Red Bull announced in May, earlier this year that they would discontinue their Red Bull Air Race World Championship after the 2019 season and even shortened their race calendar. One of the locations for the last season of the race is Hungary.

Red Bull Air Race, which was established in 2003, went on a three-year hiatus after its 2010 season for safety reasons but was continued in 2014. There were over 90 races in the past 16 years all over the world. The races are all broadcast live and globally on Red Bull TV. The interest in the races was decreasing, that is why Red Bull has decided to cancel further seasons.

The first Red Bull Air Race in 2003 was actually won by a Hungarian acrobatics pilot, Péter Besenyei. He was also involved in the development of the concept of the Air Race itself, helped with establishing the rules and regulations. He also gave a show at this year’s event but did not compete.

This year’s race is the 13th to take place in Hungary, however, unlike previous years, this weekend it was in Zamárdi, Lake Balaton and not in the Hungarian capital.

Because of technical difficulties, and fuel not getting to the scene of the race in time, the training was cancelled on Friday. However, on Saturday, the race went as planned. The pilots flew their planes and made several, stunning stunts with them above the lake, to the delight of the audience.

The top eight racers get World Championship points after racing at each venue, and the pilot with the most points wins the title of Red Bull Air Race World Champion at the end of the competition.

On Sunday’s master race Matt Hall won, while Ben Murphy landed second place and Pete Mcleod third place. Czech Martin Sonka placed fourth and is the overall first in the championship by four points.