Red Bull Air Race kicks off world championship season in the capital (Video)

Mike Goulian had a feeling he would do well in yesterday’s Red Bull Air Race master class in Abu Dhabi but he didn’t want to get too carried away as it had been nine years since he had claimed the top spot on the podium.

The American’s strategy paid off as he took first place in the season opener in the skies above the Corniche, wrapping up a weekend of high-calibre racing.

“It’s been a long time coming to get that second win, but it feels great. I was very fast all week and very consistent,” said Goulian after his victory. “I had a feeling we would do well today, but I didn’t want to put the cart in front of the horse.”

Japan’s Yoshihide Muroya was a very close second, clocking only three hundredths of a second behind Goulian’s winning time of 53.695. The Czech Martin Sonka finished third.

Muroya, who recorded his first ever second place finish, had been one of the pre-race favourites along with Germany’s Matthias Dolderer and Kirby Chambliss, from the US who eventually finished fourth.

The competition moves on to France where it will be held in Cannes between 21 and 22 of April.

Goulian now tops the leader board with 15 points.