Britains Steve Jones fastest in training for London Red Bull Air Race

Pilots battle high winds and stormy conditions during training over the River Thames

British pilot Steve Jones led the field in yesterdays training session in London, UK with a superb run, completing the course in just 1:27.29 ahead of American Kirby Chambliss and fellow Brit Paul Bonhomme. The pilots had to deal with gale force winds reaching 30 knots and high waves as they flew through 20-metre high inflatable pylons, just metres above the River Thames.

Fresh from his win at the last race in Interlaken, Switzerland, Paul Bonhomme is currently leading the championship with 26 points. A total of twelve pilots will compete in the race this weekend, flying individually through the challenging aerial track at speeds of up to 400 km/hr, enduring forces that can reach 10G, in a series of knock-out rounds. Todays weather conditions made flying and landing even more challenging than usual with the pilots constantly being pushed to their limits.

Qualifying takes place on Saturday 28 July and the race finals are on Sunday 29 July.

Some six million spectators attended last years eight races around the world.