The city of Budapest, the birthplace of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship was out in force for the first race above the River Danube for six years.

Peter Besenyei, the home hero and inspiration behind the event, had the first chance to test his new plane. His home run came to an end in the Round of 8 against Canadian Pete McLeod despite a quick time. Championship leader Paul Bonhomme extended his impressive run of Budapest podiums to six. Czech Martin Sonka made it two in a row in the championship for the first time. Matt Hall, fastest in the qualifying, had to make do with 5th.

At halfway in the season, it’s a 3 horse race for the title with Ascot next on the calendar in August.