After six years, the spectacular Red Bull Air Race World Championship made a welcome return to Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
The race took place on July 4 and 5. Pilots demonstrated their mastery flying over the Danube river.
Above: Hungary's Peter Besenyei with his Edge 540 V3 type plane flies over the river Danube near the oldest Hungarian bridge, the Chain Bridge, during the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest on July 5, 2015.
Above: Hungary's Peter Besenyei with his Edge 540 V3 type plane flies over the river Danube near the oldest Hungarian bridge, the Chain Bridge, during the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest on July 5, 2015.
The race was launched for the first time in 2003 as a competition that challenges pilots with navigating an obstacle course in the fastest time.
Above: Japan's Joshihide Muroya with his Edge 540 V3 plane competes during the free practice session of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship over the river Danube in front of the parliament building in Budapest on July 4, 2015.
Above: Japan's Joshihide Muroya with his Edge 540 V3 plane competes during the free practice session of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship over the river Danube in front of the parliament building in Budapest on July 4, 2015.
Pilots have to show incredible coordination while flying at a high speed and maneuvering between pylons – “air gates”.
Above: The Czech Republic's Martin Sonka with his Edge 540 V3 type plane flies over the river Danube river near the oldest Hungarian bridge, the Chain Bridge, during the free practice of the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest on July 4, 2015.
Above: The Czech Republic's Martin Sonka with his Edge 540 V3 type plane flies over the river Danube river near the oldest Hungarian bridge, the Chain Bridge, during the free practice of the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest on July 4, 2015.
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© Photo : Balasz Gardi/Red Bull Content Pool
Air gates have to be crossed in a specific manner.
Above: Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
Above: Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
One has to cross double cone gates in level flight, whereas single cone gates require a flight in a 90°-angle.
Above: Japanese pilot Yoshihide Muroya files with his Edge 540 V3 aircraft during the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary, July 5, 2015.
Above: Japanese pilot Yoshihide Muroya files with his Edge 540 V3 aircraft during the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary, July 5, 2015.
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© Photo : Predrag Vuckovic/Red Bull Content Pool
If a pilot violates the rules, for example flies too high or hits an air gate, he incurs penalties.
Above: Paul Bonhomme of Great Britain performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
Above: Paul Bonhomme of Great Britain performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
Some breaches are followed by disqualification, such as flying into the clouds or entering a course at an angle over 45°.
Above: Australia's Matt Hall with his MXS-R type plane flies over the Danube river under the oldest Hungarian Bridge, the Chain Bridge during the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest on July 5, 2015.
Above: Australia's Matt Hall with his MXS-R type plane flies over the Danube river under the oldest Hungarian Bridge, the Chain Bridge during the 2015 Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest on July 5, 2015.
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© Photo : Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool
Pilots generally use special aerobatic planes, for instance MSX-R and Zivko Edge 540.
Above: Peter Besenyei of Hungary performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
Above: Peter Besenyei of Hungary performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
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© Photo : Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool
The race was created as a videogame for several platforms.
Above: Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
Above: Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic performs during the finals of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
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© Photo : Balasz Gardi/Red Bull Content Pool
In Budapest, Austrian pilot Hannes Arch won the race, UK competitor Paul Bonhomme secured the second place and Martin Sonka from the Czech Republic came third.
Above: Paul Bonhomme of Great Britain (L), Hannes Arch of Austria (C) and Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic (R) celebrate during the award ceremony of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
Above: Paul Bonhomme of Great Britain (L), Hannes Arch of Austria (C) and Martin Sonka of the Czech Republic (R) celebrate during the award ceremony of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 5, 2015.
