RIO DE JANEIRO – Hannes Arch of Austria was declared the winner of the Red Bull Air Race in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday when adverse conditions made it impossible to continue the racing during the Top 12 round.
Arch, who had posted the fastest time in Qualifying, was awarded the victory in only the second race in Red Bull Air Race history that could not continue due to rain and wind. Nigel Lamb of Britain took second and Paul Bonhomme finished third.
Due to the adverse weather conditions, RBAR Commitee took the decision not to proceed with the Top 12. According the the Sporting Regulations Part A, Clause 7 (f) – Red Bull Air Race Committee has taken the decision to cancel the Top 12 due to adverse weather conditions. Final results for the third race of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Rio will be based on the Qualifying Round.
“On one hand it’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to run here in Rio. This is a race that in the past has had a huge turnout and it’s really a fun environment to race in. But I think the right choice was made not to fly considering the rain and winds that we’re facing out here. Typically our team does well in adverse conditions and we may have been able to move up the ranks, but all things considered with our engine, we’re happy to grab the 5th place points,” said Kirby.
