The Red Bull Air Race has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most extreme motorsports. Blending aviation precision, Formula-1-level engineering, and high-G aerobatics, the championship pushed pilots and aircraft to the very limits of human and mechanical capability. Although the series ended in 2019, the fastest moments from its spectacular history continue to awe fans and inspire new generations of air-sport enthusiasts.

In this article, we explore the fastest, most unforgettable moments in the Red Bull Air Race – from record-breaking laps to gravity-defying maneuvers that showcase the extraordinary talent of the world’s top pilots.

What Made the Red Bull Air Race So Fast and Unique?

Before diving into the fastest moments, it’s important to understand what set the Red Bull Air Race apart from traditional aviation competitions.

Precision at Insane Speeds

Air Race pilots flew at speeds reaching 370 km/h (230 mph) just meters above the ground, threading their planes through tight slalom courses marked by air-filled pylons.

High-G Maneuvers

Pilots endured up to 10G forces, making split-second decisions while their bodies experienced pressures rarely felt in any sport.

Tightest Turns in Motorsports

The track layout demanded rapid acceleration, sudden climbs, and razor-sharp turns, combining speed with surgical precision.

This combination produced some of the most jaw-dropping moments in motorsport history.

1. Matt Hall’s Lightning Run in Budapest – A New Benchmark for Speed

One of the greatest high-speed performances in the Red Bull Air Race came from Australian pilot Matt Hall in Budapest. Known for its iconic chain bridge and tight river-level course, the Budapest track has always been a fan favorite—and a place where speed records were shattered.

Why This Moment Stood Out

• Hall delivered one of the fastest cumulative times ever recorded on the track.
• His low passes under the Széchenyi Chain Bridge were executed flawlessly.
• The run demonstrated the perfect balance between aggression and control.

The Impact

Hall’s blistering pace pushed competitors to their limits and remains one of the most replayed moments in Air Race history.

2. Paul Bonhomme’s Dominance in Spielberg – Precision at Maximum Velocity

Paul Bonhomme, one of the winningest pilots in Red Bull Air Race history, created several unforgettable high-speed moments. But his performance in Spielberg stands above the rest.

What Made This Run Special?

• Bonhomme flew one of the cleanest, fastest laps ever seen at the Red Bull Ring.
• His approach through the sweeping uphill gates showed absolute mastery of speed management.
• His split times were so fast that analysts described his form as “flawless flying.”

Legacy of the Moment

Bonhomme’s run solidified his reputation as one of the greatest Air Race pilots ever and set new performance standards for future racers.

3. Hannes Arch’s High-Speed Masterclass in Porto

Hannes Arch, the Austrian pilot known for his aggressive flying style, delivered one of the fastest ever Air Race performances in Porto. Flying low over the Atlantic waterfront, Arch pushed his aircraft to the limit with bold turns and full-throttle acceleration.

Key Highlights

• One of the highest average speeds recorded on the Porto track.
• His vertical turning maneuvers showcased incredible reaction time and spatial awareness.
• Porto fans witnessed a pilot pushing the absolute limit of competitive aviation.

Why It Still Matters

Arch’s run is remembered for its sheer audacity—it was a perfect combination of speed and risk, executed by a master.

4. The Fastest Vertical Turn in History – Yoshihide Muroya’s Phoenix Moment

Japanese pilot Yoshihide Muroya, the 2017 world champion, holds one of the most impressive high-speed moments ever witnessed: the fastest executed vertical turn at the Phoenix Air Race.

What Made It Mind-Blowing

• Muroya carried more speed into a vertical turning maneuver than any pilot before him.
• His plane reached incredible acceleration speeds during the downward pull.
• Despite extreme G forces, he maintained perfect control.

The Result

This vertical turn helped Muroya secure a victory and inspired pilots worldwide to rethink how much speed could be carried into vertical maneuvers.

5. Nicolas Ivanoff’s Pure-Speed Run in Abu Dhabi

Nicknamed “The Quick Corsican,” Nicolas Ivanoff delivered one of the most iconic high-speed runs in Abu Dhabi, a track known for long straights and smooth transitions.

Highlights of Ivanoff’s Fastest Moment

• Efficient, flowing lines through every gate.
• Minimal control surface movement—a sign of expert piloting.
• Maximum throttle used safely in all possible sections.

Why Fans Loved It

Ivanoff’s run was a demonstration of “smooth equals fast,” a mantra in all forms of racing. His efficiency boosted his top speeds without adding risk.

6. The Tightest Split Times Ever – Kirby Chambliss in Texas

American pilot Kirby Chambliss, known for his aggressive but controlled flying style, achieved some of the tightest split times recorded during a race in Texas.

What Made This Special

• Chambliss maintained one of the highest top speeds on a U.S. track.
• His transitions between gates were almost instantaneous.
• His timing was so precise that even milliseconds decided the final standings.

Why It’s a Fastest Moment

Chambliss showed how micro-adjustments could shave huge amounts of time—a masterclass in competitive efficiency.

7. Peter Besenyei’s Legendary Bridge Run in Budapest

The Red Bull Air Race began with a legendary high-speed moment: Peter Besenyei’s flight under the Chain Bridge in Budapest. This single run changed aviation history forever.

Why This Is One of the Fastest and Most Iconic Moments

• Besenyei flew at extremely low altitude with near-perfect speed control.
• He achieved one of the fastest straight-line passes ever filmed in the series.
• The boldness of the maneuver became symbolic of the entire sport.

A Moment That Defined the Sport

This run was so iconic that it became the face of Red Bull Air Race promotions for years.

What Made These Fast Moments Possible?

1. Lightweight, Aerobatic Race Planes

Aircraft like the Edge 540 and MXS-R were designed for agility and raw speed.

2. Advanced Aerodynamics

Winglets, optimized propellers, and aerodynamic shaping helped pilots reach top speeds while staying agile.

3. Pilot Fitness

Pilots trained like elite athletes to handle extreme G-forces and maintain sharp decision-making under pressure.

4. Precision Tracks

Every course was designed to reward speed and precision. One wrong move could mean penalties—or worse.

The Legacy of Red Bull Air Race Fastest Moments

Even though the Red Bull Air Race has paused, its fastest moments continue to live on through videos, pilot interviews, and aviation communities worldwide. These moments highlight:

• The limits of human endurance
• The potential of high-performance aircraft
• The global passion for speed and precision
• The beauty of aerobatics combined with motorsport competition

The fastest runs from pilots like Bonhomme, Muroya, Arch, Hall, and Besenyei have become benchmarks in aviation history, inspiring future racers, engineers, and speed enthusiasts.

The Sky Belongs to the Fast

The Red Bull Air Race wasn’t just a competition—it was a celebration of pure speed, skill, and innovation. Every fastest moment tells a story of bravery, technical excellence, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. While the series may no longer be active, its high-speed legacy continues to captivate fans across the world.

If you’re passionate about speed—whether cars, bikes, or planes—the Red Bull Air Race fastest moments will always stand as some of the greatest achievements in high-velocity motorsport.