Who will win the ultimate Silverstone showdown?
As he prepares to take to the skies for the UK Red Bull Air Race on 2nd September, British pilot Steve Jones has challenged Red Bull’s motorsport heroes to a duel of epic proportions. Determined to prove that Air Racing is indeed the ‘Formula One of the skies’, Steve will race Red Bull Racing’s David Coulthard and Red Bull Honda Superbike rider Jonathan Rea around the hallowed track at Silverstone in an attempt to prove that his plane is as quick and nimble as DC’s F1 car and Rea’s 1000cc bike.
Pilot, driver and rider will race one full lap of Silverstone’s Grand Prix Circuit simultaneously in a battle of speed, mental agility and vehicle manouevrability.
Pilot Steve Jones says: “Everyone knows how well equipped the F1 car and motorbike are to handle the tough corners at Silverstone, but I wanted to prove that air racing can be just as precise. We regularly experience forces of up to 10G when rounding pylons during the Red Bull Air Races which is more than an F1 car. I think people will be surprised at how nimble my plane can be.”
David Coulthard comments: “I’ve seen what Steve and the other pilots who take part in the Red Bull Air Race World Series are capable of. Their speed and precision is breathtaking. However, I’ve been racing at Silverstone for years and know the circuit extremely well so Steve shouldn’t be counting on a win.”
Jonathan Rea adds: “This is by no means a two horse race – I’m quietly confident that my bike will be able to catch Steve and David out on the corners. The bike’s been going really well recently so you shouldn’t underestimate the power of two wheels!”
Steve Jones is one of three British pilots competing in the Red Bull Air Race World Series which comes to Longleat, UK on 2nd September 2006. For further information visit redbullairrace.com.
Interview and photo opportunity
David Coulthard, Jonathan Rea (British Superbike rider) & Steve Jones (Air Race pilot) following their attempt to race each other around the track at Silverstone.
Where: The grid, Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire
When: 15.00, Monday 31st July 2006
N.B. Due to safety restrictions, media will not be allowed on site whilst the racing is taking place. Images of racing will be available free of charge and without restrictions from 15.00 on 31st July.
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Notes to editors:
VITAL STATISTICS
Red Bull Air Race plane – The Extra 300S
The Extra 300 is one of the most successful and commercial stunt planes in the history of flying. Manufactured in Germany, they are made from a combination of carbon fibre, steel tubing and aluminium sheeting, which helps to reduce weight and increase resilience. As a result, pilots are able to perform the most extreme stunt manoeuvres in the Extra 300, which spins through the air with very few limitations.SpecificationSEATS: 1 LENGTH (M): 6.80 WING SPAN (M): 7.50 WEIGHT (KG): 655 POWER (HP): 320 TOP SPEED: 410
Pilot – Steve JonesNationality: British Date of Birth: January 5, 1960 Born: Hereford, Gloucestershire, UK Home: Cirencester, Gloucestershire Family: wife Judith Hobbies: vintage car racing, engineering Aircraft: Extra 300S Other Profession: Airline pilot 2005 Air Race World Series ranking: 6thAir Race Results: 2005 Abu Dhabi 2nd 2004 Kemble 3rd 2004 Budapest 4th 2005 Zeltweg 5th 2005 Rotterdam 5th 2005 Budapest 6th 2005 Longleat 6th 2005 Cashel 6th 2005 San Francisco 8th Flying Achievements: 2005 FAI World Grand Prix Lausanne - Matadors 1st (Team Piston) 1995 UK Freestyle Aerobatics Champion 1996 British Aerobatics Champion 1996 FAI World Grand Prix Series - 3 Gold medals, 1 Silver 1996 Member of the 'Matadors' Aerobatics Team **************************************************************************************Red Bull Honda - CBR1000RR
Specification
ENGINE TYPE: Inline four-cylinderCAPACITY (CM³): 1000VALVES: 16 – four per cylinder CARBURATION: Fuel injection – two injectors per cylinderFINAL DRIVE: Chain (RK)BRAKE HORSE POWER: 200-plusTOP SPEED (KPH): 320-plusFRAME: Aluminium beamFRONT SUSPENSION: WP telescopic forkREAR SUSPENSION: Honda Pro-Link system with WP single shockGEARBOX: Six-speed multi-ratioTYRES: DunlopFRONT (INS): 16.5 x 3”.5REAR (INS): 16.5 x 6” / 6”.25BRAKES: BremboDRY WEIGHT (KG): 164WHEELBASE (MM): 1,405 to 1,440FUEL TANK: 22.5 ltr, aluminium, centrally mounted
Rider – Jonathan Rea
Date of birth: 02.02.87Home town: Ballyclare, Northern IrelandMarital status: SingleHeight: 175cmWeight: 73kgHobbies: Motocross, swimming and runningFirst race: Silverstone, 2003First win: Bishopscourt, 2003Career History2005 16th British Superbike ChampionshipYoungest ever rider to secure pole position in BSB
2004 6th* in round eight British Supersport Championship (*injury) 2003 15th National 125GP ChampionshipBertie Mann winner for Young Rider of the Year
2002 9th KWS International Motocross series2nd UK Supercross series
2001 4th UK Supercross series2000 5th British Small Wheel 80cc ChampionshipIrish Small Wheel 80cc Motocross ChampionUlster Small Wheel 80cc Motocross Champion
1999 Irish Small Wheel 80cc Motocross ChampionUlster Small Wheel 80cc Motocross Champion
1998 Ulster Small Wheel 80cc Motocross Champion1997 British 60cc Motocross Champion**************************************************************************************
Red Bull Racing – RB2
Specification
CHASSIS: Composite monocoque structure, designed and built in-house, carrying the Ferrari V8 engine as fully stressed memberTRANSMISSION: Seven-speed gearbox, longitudinally mounted with hydraulic system for power shift and clutch operation. AP Racing pull-type clutchWHEELS: AVUS Racing, Front: 12.7in x 13in, Rear: 13.4in x 13inTYRES: MichelinSUSPENSION: Front: Aluminium alloy uprights, upper and lower carbon wishbones and pushrods, torsion bar springs and anti roll bars, Multimatic dampers Rear: Aluminium alloy uprights, upper and lower carbon wishbones and pushrods, torsion bar springs and anti roll bars, Multimatic dampersBRAKES: Brembo calipers / Hitco carbon disks and padsELECTRONICS: Integrated engine / chassis Magneti Marelli electronic control systemFUEL: Shell racing fuelFERRARI TYPE 056 ENGINE:NUMBER OF CYLINDERS: 8NUMBER OF VALVES: 32VEE ANGLE: 90 degreesPOWER OUTPUT: Not disclosedENGINE CONSTRUCTION: Cylinder block in cast aluminiumENGINE MANAGEMENT: Magneti MarelliIGNITION SYSTEM: Magneti Marelli stati electronic ignitionWEIGHT: 95kg
Driver – David Coulthard
Date of birth: 27.03.1971Home town: Twynholm, Scotland Lives: Monte Carlo, MonacoMarital status: SingleHeight: 182cmWeight: 72.5kgHobbies: Golf, yachting, cycling, moviesCareer History2005 Formula One driver for Red Bull Racing 4th position Australian GP, 4th position European GP. Scored 24 points.
1996-2004 Formula One driver for McLaren 12 wins, 52 podium places, 146 race starts, 412 points
1995 Formula One driver for Williams 1 win, 7 podium places, 3rd in World Championship
1994 Formula One driver for Williams 1 podium place, 8th in World Championship
1993 Formula 3000 Championship 3rd in Championship, 1st in GT Class at Le Mans
1992 Formula 3000 Championship 9th in Championship
1991 British Formula 3 Championship 2nd in Championship
1990 Formula Vauxhall-Lotus Championship / GM Lotus Euroseries
1989 Dunlop / Autosport FF1600 Champion
1988 Scottish Open Kart Champion
1986-1987 Scottish Open Kart Champion / British Super Kart 1 Champion
1983 -1985 Scottish Junior Kart Champion
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Red Bull Air Race – fast facts
· Aircraft suitable for the Red Bull Air Race cost around 230,000 euros each
· A conventional sports plane does not come close to having the necessary agility, and the forces encountered in a race would break it to bits
· The planes flown by the Air Race pilots are mostly made of advanced carbon composites that can withstand forces of up to 15G and reach top speeds of around 450 kph
· They can fly at speeds as low as 100 kph and still perform their unbelievable manoeuvres
· Their maximum roll rate is 420 degrees per second, the equivalent of 70 rpm; a spin cycle that makes it impossible for the pilots to perceive the horizon.
