A Race for the World's Elite, Limited to Just 12 Pilots

Aircraft used in the "Red Bull Air Race World Championship" vary by team, but generally measure 6.5 meters in length, 7.4 meters in wingspan, and weigh just over 500 kilograms. Pilots compete for the fastest time, flying through a course composed of gates and chicanes in a prescribed attitude. The pylons stand 25 meters high, and the course layout changes for each race.

The rules are remarkably simple, but with added regulations: flight within each gate must be within the upper 40% of its height (15-25 meters), entry speed into the gate must not exceed 370 km/h (200 knots), and maximum G-force must be kept below 10G. The fact that only 12 pilots can participate is a testament to the race's difficulty.

Yoshihide Muroya: The Sole Japanese Competitor

Among the pilots, Yoshihide Muroya, an Asian pilot who has competed since 2009, is particularly noteworthy. He secured a podium finish in the second round held in Croatia, steadily improving his performance. He notes that the challenging aspect of this race is the Malaysian climate.

"High temperatures and humidity thin the air, reducing lift and preventing the aircraft from reaching its full potential. On top of that, there are squalls, and the temperature and humidity change constantly. Therefore, the most critical adjustment was for the humidity and heat. Furthermore, the cockpit can reach 45-50°C, leading to dehydration for the pilots. While I struggled with unpredictable winds in Croatia, this race is a battle against heat and humidity. The course is also simple, making it a speed contest. Even flying at 370 km/h, a five-second turn reduces speed to about 250 km/h. So, as a pilot, efficiently navigating turns without losing speed is a key concern."

Starting this season, all aircraft are provided with engines and propellers of the same specification, placing even greater emphasis on the pilots' skills. Regarding this regulation change, Muroya commented, "As a pilot, it's become much more exciting. The Red Bull Air Race is the ultimate stage where the world's best pilots pit their skills against each other."

The Breitling Racing Team Claims Victory in Round 3

Among these elite pilots is Nigel Lamb from the United Kingdom. A member of the Breitling Racing Team, he commands the skies in his MXS-R, painted in the company's signature yellow. Now 57 years old, with a 39-year career, he is respected by fellow pilots for his extensive experience, knowledge, and exceptional technique.

He has participated in the Red Bull Air Race since its early days, making this his seventh year. As someone who has supported the race from its inception, he is among those who most wished for its return and rejoiced at its new beginning. While he has achieved six second-place finishes and secured third overall in 2010, he had never claimed the top spot.



In his 44th race, he finally achieved his first victory in the third round. Upon returning to the hangar, he shared his joy with the staff, tears welling in his eyes.

"I never imagined I'd feel this way... After seven years, with all the ups and downs, it feels like everything has paid off," he said. His strategy of flying perilously close to the pylons, accepting the inherent risks, proved successful. In the final race, he clocked a time of 1 minute 15.023 seconds, a mere 0.668 seconds ahead of Hannes Arch, who finished second.

Breitling: The Official Timekeeper Supporting the Race

Breitling is responsible for timing this race, where fractions of a second are critical. The Red Bull Air Race World Championship grew into a major event, watched by millions worldwide, from its inception until the end of the 2010 season when it was suspended.

Throughout this period, Breitling served as the official timekeeper, supporting the race. It is a manufacturer that perfectly embodies the spirit of intense competition among professionals in the sky. The Breitling logo at the start/finish gate signifies respect for the pilots and the pride of being their instrument of precision.



The fourth round is scheduled to take place in Gdynia, Poland, on July 26th-27th. Currently leading with 30 points is Arch, followed by Paul Bonhomme (UK) with 25 points, Pete McLeod (Canada) with 17 points, and Lamb (UK), the impressive winner of the third round. Of course, Muroya is also aiming for the podium, following his success in the second round. The 12 pilots will utilize their full range of skills as they navigate the skies. We look forward to witnessing the outcome of their battles.