Red Bull's wings beat 2 and 4 wheels
Monday, David Coulthard was challenged by Air Race pilot Steve Jones and Motorcycle racer Jonathan Rea. The three men, sponsored by Red Bull, raced at Silverstone to see which of the three could master the race course the fastest
"We're very curious and excited," the three speedsters concurred before the race. Steve Jones proved that his airplane was far superior to his rivals on the ground in the first rounds. In the end, he beat the Formula 1 car on the 5.140 metres long track by more than 20 seconds and the bike by more as 50 seconds.
"Of course you have to see that I can only approximate the tight brooklands curve because the plane just doesn't fly that slow", Jones said.
While the Formula 1 car's top speed makes it equal to the airplane, the aircraft has one obvious advantage: "David has to brake before hitting the curves; I just fly around the corner." The Air Race pilot still has to endure the strain of more than 9 g, however. "The plane is the winner, but I am sure, Steve was cheating", bike rookie Rea laughed, underlining the relaxed atmosphere of a really serious challenge.
