Cars, bikes and planes to race
Air racer challenges F1's Coulthard
Aiming to prove that air racing is the F1 of the skies, Jones will race Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard and Red Bull Honda superbike rider Jonathan Rea around the track at Silverstone.
It's an attempt to prove that his plane is as quick and nimble as DC’s F1 car and Rea’s 1,000cc bike -- pilot, driver and rider will race one full lap of Silverstone’s Grand Prix Circuit.
Jones said: “Everyone knows how well equipped the F1 car and motorbike are to handle the tough corners at Silverstone, but I wanted to prove that air racing can be just as precise. We regularly experience forces of up to 10G when rounding pylons during the Red Bull Air Races which is more than an F1 car. I think people will be surprised at how nimble my plane can be.”
Coulthard said: “I’ve seen what Steve and the other pilots who take part in the Red Bull Air Race World Series are capable of. Their speed and precision is breathtaking. However, I’ve been racing at Silverstone for years and know the circuit extremely well so Steve shouldn’t be counting on a win.”
Rea said: “This is by no means a two horse race – I’m quietly confident that my bike will be able to catch Steve and David out on the corners. The bike’s been going really well recently so you shouldn’t underestimate the power of two wheels.”
It happens on 2 September 2006.
About Red Bull air racing
The objective is to navigate a challenging obstacle course in the sky in the fastest possible time. Pilots fly individually against the clock and have to complete tight turns through a slalom course consisting of specially designed 20m high pylons, known as ‘air gates’.
The race is about speed and precision. The slightest mistake can result in penalty points.
Flying low at speeds of over 250mph while negotiating the air gates requires immense skill. Only a certain number of pilots in the world possess it, so they are hand selected based on expertise and experience.
These pilots are at the top of their game. They have to be – the race exerts huge demands on their flying abilities and they have to withstand forces of up to 10G. There is little room for error.
What makes the air race exciting and interesting for spectators is the proximity of the contest to the crowds. Low level flying on a relatively compact course means that people can really experience all the action close-up.
The idea of the Air Race was conceived by Red Bull who then approached renowned Hungarian pilot Peter Beseynei to help them refine the concept. The very first Red Bull Air Race took place at AirPower in Zeltweg, Austria in 2003 and was hailed a great success. It was clear that there was a huge potential for the competition. Subsequent races were then held in Hungary, England and the USA and since then it has evolved into its current format, the Red Bull Air Race World Series.
The first series kicked off in 2005, taking place in seven venues across the world with 10 internationally acclaimed pilots competing.
Eleven pilots will take part in the 2006 Red Bull Air Race World Series in nine international locations.
Air races have their roots in the US but unlike those contests where the objective was purely about speed, the Red Bull air race brings skill into the challenge. They are using some of the lightest, agile and responsive planes that exist, but ultimately it’s the pilot’s stamina and skill that determines who will be crowned the next Red Bull Air Race World Series champion.
) that it's gonna happen Monday at Silverstone. 
Bah! Have been on hold for 5 mins and have to hang up! If anyone does find out, please post!
I think the TVR won (but I'm willing to be proved wrong by anyone who has a better memory than me!).
It will be interesting to see how they do it with a FW aircraft as in all the races between cars and heliicopters, both have started from a stationary position...
It will be interesting to see how they do it with a FW aircraft as in all the races between cars and heliicopters, both have started from a stationary position...
So the Tuscan beat the Lynx and the Lynx beat an F1 car. Does that make the Tuscan faster than an F1 car.
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