2010 Race 1 - Abu Dhabi
3/27/2010
 Winner - Paul Bonhomme on race day.
The first race of the 2010 season took place in the scorching heat of Abu Dhabi. Dangerously high, shifting, sand-laden winds, combined with the heat made this a very demanding race. One in which Bonhomme stated that he felt it was no coincidence that only veteran racers made the podium. "Experience helps on days like today. You have to keep an eye on what happens and play the tactics just right.”
Track layout over the Arabian Gulf.
The first Championship point of the season was awarded to last year's Abu Dhabi winner, Hannes Arch, for logging the fastest time in Qualifying on Friday. Heading into Saturday, Arch was heavily favored, and a popular crowd favorite as well, since he races for Team Abu Dhabi. However, he was disqualified in the Top 12 round for dangerous flying as if a normal run isn't dangerous. The winds and heat made it difficult for most of the pilots, but rookies, Martin Sonka (Czech Republic) and Adilson Kindlemann (Brazil) found it particularly tough. Sonka picked up 20 penalty points on Saturday and Kindlemann had 28 penalty points including 12 for hitting two gates. Bonhomme took 12 points for his 12th career victory with a time of 1:14.06. Fellow Brit, Nigel Lamb (Team Breitling) came in second just .86 seconds behind Bonhomme. Rounding out the podium was Hungarian Peter Besenyei, who was a full 7 seconds off the pace which included 4 seconds in penalties, which just goes to show how difficult it was for the rest of the field. The next race is scheduled for Perth, Australia on April 17/18.
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Today in Aviation History :
September 4, 1936 -- Louise Thaden becomes the 1st woman to win the prestigious coast-to-coast Bendix trophy race.
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Aviation Weather Links
www.nws.noaa.gov/
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www.usairnet.com/weather/
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