Putrajaya - Red Bull Air Race

If there is one thing which I have not done quite properly over the past few months, it would be posting. Travel and stuff got in the way, and general laziness, but 2 weeks ago, I attended something which I heard of and found quite interesting. It became all the more interesting when a round was held in Putrajaya, of all places.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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