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| Red Bull Air Race Putrajaya ticket |
This was the Red Bull Air Race, Putrajaya, held over the
weekend of 17 and 18 May. Tickets were fairly priced: MYR 85 for Qualifying on
17 May, MYR 129 for Finals and RM169 for both days. I opted for both days.
Day 1 was fun, albeit chaotic. There was a slight hiccup
when ticket holders of Zone A were denied crossing the bridge that links Zone B
and the main Race area from Zone B due to safety reasons. A no show of buses to
transport those stranded while being denied the option to enter Zone B, which I
believe is the same ticket category, of course created quite a number
disgruntled ticket holders. In due time, we were allowed entry to Zone B, which
while on that day itself sounded like a consolation, on Race Day became a Holy
Grail.
Granted, weather-wise the day itself did prove to be a bit
of a downer. It rained in the morning, and of course the qualifying rounds had
to be postponed from the scheduled 1130 to 1330. When the time came, the rain stopped,
but light intermittent drizzle though in miniscule amounts and gloomy overcast
weather gave me the impression of a dampener for the day.
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| Flying in on low approach past the Seri Gemilang Bridge |
Yet, the image of acrobatic planes doing their stuff, flying
in low on approach over the ‘gates’ of the Seri Gemilang Bridge after being granted 'smoke on' to enter, then making
zips and turns, steep ascents and teeth clenching dips did much to keep me
stuck at my perch. Cloudy weather disregarded, but eventually Sol did shine
through the cleared-up skies. It was then did I have an appreciation for the
sport.
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| Steep climb up past the finish gate, after the first turn |
Day 2 was more interesting. After learning from the mistakes
of Day 1, I found out where the shuttle buses were, despite the lack of signs,
and that saved me quite a penny from the fixed charge taxi trip to the site. This time, we got to Zone A proper, which though larger than
Zone B, did not afford quite the same vantage point as Zone B. In fact, by now
I longed to return to Zone B having had a taste of it the day before.
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| Finishing after two rounds towards the Finish Gate |
It was far busier than Qualifying day, and had the feel of a
Red Bull-infused Sunday Picnic, with options of ‘orange juice,’ soft drinks and
random snacks. All that was missing were a few bottles of vodka and
jaegermeister (which I shall neither confirm nor deny bringing in quietly to
the grounds).
Despite not getting a full view of the course or a dramatic
approach like in Zone B, Zone A did offer a full sight of the acrobatics on
display, which in a way made up for it.
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| Steep curve viewed from Zone B |
The numerous acrobatic planes zipping up and down, making
interesting turns all at quite some speed was truly astounding, though what got
more interesting was when a finalist in the final 4 was disqualified as ‘Did Not Finish’ for
going at 201 knots, 1 knot above the approved approach speed of 200 knots.
Having had this taste of the Red Bull Air Show, safe to say
I will be keeping a keen eye on this sport, especially if the aerial site is
held in stunning surrounds with dramatic backdrop. Word has it the finals in
China might be held in Shanghai. The location is yet to be confirmed at time of
writing.
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| Two planes dancing above Putrajaya Lake |
Plane acrobatics in Pudong/Puxi, anyone?
p.s. there is a much better write up on this by my friend
Stefan Seville. Honoured to have a mention in his article.
http://www.airshowsreview.com/Red_Bull_Air_Race_Malaysia.htm
