Red Bull Air Race
Officially Red Bull Air Race World Championship
Elite aerobatic air-racing championship (2003-2019) featuring aerobatic aircraft racing through inflatable pylon gates at ~370 km/h, pulling up to 12G; discontinued after 2019 season, 17 rounds spanning global iconic venues.
What is Red Bull Air Race?
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship was an elite international air-racing series operated by Red Bull GmbH from 2003 to 2019, featuring highly modified aerobatic aircraft (Edge 540 V3, MXS-R, Zivko Edge) racing individually against the clock through a slalom-style course of inflatable pylons (Air Gates) at speeds up to 370 km/h (230 mph), enduring g-forces up to 12G. Two classes: Master Class (elite ~14-16 pilots) + Challenger Class (feeder series). Iconic venues: Abu Dhabi, Cannes, Detroit, Budapest (Danube river), Perth, Rio de Janeiro, Chiba Bay (Japan). Championship crowned annually via cumulative points. Notable champions: Paul Bonhomme (GBR, 3x champion 2009+2010+2015), Kirby Chambliss (USA, 2004+2006), Mike Mangold (USA, 2005+2007), Peter Besenyei (HUN, 2003 inaugural), Hannes Arch (AUT, 2008), Martin Šonka (CZE, 2018), Yoshihide Muroya (JPN, 2017 — first non-European/American winner). Series ended after 2019 season (Chiba Final) after Red Bull ceased sanctioning. Modern successor: Air Race World Championship (independent, launched 2024 with virtual + potentially live events).
Quick facts
Category
Air Sports
Type
Individual
Players
1–1
Duration
~1 min
Where played
outdoor
Country of origin
🇦🇹 Austria
Estimated origin
Founded 2003; championship 2003-2019 (17 seasons)
Olympic
No
Popularity
regional
How it works
Objective
Complete pylon-defined course in fastest error-free time; penalties for gate infractions.
Match structure
Qualifying + head-to-head knockout brackets (Round of 14 → Round of 8 → Final 4); cumulative championship points per season.
Rules
Basic rules
Course = inflatable Air Gates in prescribed order
Pilots must pass gates in correct order + orientation.
Time penalties for infractions
Hitting pylons = +2s; incorrect gate = DQ from run.
G-force limits monitored
Exceeding 12G = potential penalty/blackout DQ.
Vertical Turn Manoeuvre (VTM) mandatory
Course includes signature 90-degree bank knife-edge segments.
Scoring
Championship = cumulative points across all rounds; individual race = fastest lap wins.
Win condition · Season championship = pilot with most cumulative points.
Equipment
Edge 540 V3 aerobatic aircraft
Primary racing aircraft; ~408 kg dry weight, 550 hp Lycoming AEIO-540.
MXS-R aircraft
Alternative modified racer.
Air Gates (inflatable pylons)
25 m tall inflatable pylons defining slalom course.
G-suit + helmet
Pilot protective equipment for high-G maneuvers.
Positions & roles
Master Class pilot
×14Elite competition class.
Challenger Class pilot
×12Feeder-series pilot competing in shorter Challenger Cup.
Major competitions
Red Bull Air Race World Championship (discontinued)
annual (2003-2019) · worldwide rotating venues · since 2003
Where it is played
Governing bodies
Red Bull GmbH (organizer 2003-2019)
Founded 1987 · Fuschl am See, Austria
FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale — sanctioning)
Founded 1905 · Lausanne, Switzerland
Famous names & records
Famous athletes
- Paul Bonhomme (GBR — 3x champion)
- Kirby Chambliss (USA — 2x champion)
- Peter Besenyei (HUN — inaugural champion 2003)
- Hannes Arch (AUT — 2008 champion)
- Martin Šonka (CZE — 2018 champion)
- Yoshihide Muroya (JPN — 2017 champion)
Records
Paul Bonhomme 3-time champion
Paul Bonhomme (GBR) — 2009 + 2010 + 2015 World Champion; retired 2015 with 19 race wins (record) (2015)
Series discontinued after 2019
Red Bull — Final race Chiba, Japan Sept 2019; Martin Šonka won final race; Matt Hall (AUS) won 2019 championship (2019)