Congrats on your success last year. It must have been gruelling. What do you put it down to?
I wouldn’t say gruelling, but it was certainly a busy year and keeping the concentration going for seven months was a challenge. We have an excellent team and that is vital for success. You cannot win at this level without the help and support of good folks around you – that goes for the immediate team members and also the many background people whose help was priceless.
Who do you see as your leading rivals coming into 2010?
All of them! We think we’re well prepared for the upcoming season but it’s impossible to really know until we get to see some meaningful results from the first race. Then and only then will we see who has got their prep right for 2010. I suspect, though, that we will see the usual suspects at the top and, who knows, maybe some of the slower teams from last year will have found the winning formula and be challenging for the podium too. One thing is for sure, it’ll be a very close season in terms of results.
How does the heat in Abu Dhabi affect plane and pilot performance?
Hot air is thinner than cold air, and the wing, the engine and propeller like thick air for good performance. The good news is that we are all flying in the same conditions so it’ll be a question of who deals with it best. We’ll make some set-up changes to the aeroplane so that we get the best out of it in the conditions… as for me, I’m the same as any other human on the planet and enjoy the heat but it does affect your performance and keeping hydrated is the key.
Do you get a chance to get out and look around the city? Anywhere in our little town you’re particularly fond of?
One of the biggest frustrations is that we are incredibly busy during the race week and there is very little time for sight-seeing. However, over the years I’ve visited Abu Dhabi many times and enjoy the calm and mature feel of the city.
Why do you think air racing has never taken off in the way that, say, F1 has?
Watch this space! This is a very new sport and has only been running for a handful of years (unlike the 100-ish years car racing has enjoyed). The success of it will be determined by the spectator numbers and, from what we’ve seen so far, it is amazingly popular.
For many people, Red Bull Air Racing is a bunch of whacky fellows pulling stunts over water. What do you think could be done to get the public more involved in the racing aspect?
I think time will sort out that perception. I can tell you there are 15 teams who are desperate to win and the competition is real and fierce. That is obvious now to the established fans and I think it’ll just be a matter of time until the fan base grows. It’s growing quickly now…
Do you have any pre-race rituals you go through?
Not really rituals but I will check, double check, triple check and check again everything that could or might affect our chances of winning. It’s vital that nothing is left to chance.
What goes through your mind during the race itself?
I’m at my calmest during the race-day flight. I’ll be thinking ahead most of the time to make sure that whatever happens, I’ve got it covered.
What are your realistic expectations for this year?
I’m not saying! We’re cautiously optimistic, though.
For more on Paul Bonhomme, head to teambonhomme.com.
Flight Checklist
• The race takes off at 2pm on March 26 and 27
• It is likely (but not confirmed) that park-and-ride shuttle buses will be provided. Keep an eye on timeoutabudhabi.com for details
• Up to 150,000 people are expected to turn up on the corniche, so aim to get there early
• Food and drink is available from kiosks along the corniche
• Race Club and High Flyer (VIP) tickets are available from timeouttickets.com
