With the just concluded Formula-1 in the national capital getting a tremendous response, Mumbai may get to witness its own mega event with the World Air Race likely next year.
Organisers of the event, Red Bull Air Race World Championship, Austrian Trade Commission and Red Bull Air Race company met Maharashtra Tourism Minister Chhagan Bhujbal made a presentation on it on Tuesday.
The minister was informed that the races were planned in ten cities across the world, including the metropolis. Bhujbal said the race, which will be held for three days in the city, will help boost the tourism potential of the state.
"Like Formula-1, this sport does not require space, but people can experience the same thrill," he said. While assuring support, he said that Mumbaikars would get to witness the thrill of the Air Race free of cost at Marine Drive in South Mumbai.
Holding the event in one city will cost about Rs 100 crore which will be borne entirely by the organisers, he said, adding that there is no threat to environment or the sea shore because of it.
As many as 24 pilots will participate in the races with a 400 meter foldable runway to be created in the sea near Girgaum Chowpatty for take off and landing purposes, a release said. The participant who gets the highest number of points from all the ten races will be the winner of the championship.
The Red Bull Air Race, established in 2003, is an international series of air races in which competitors have to navigate a challenging obstacle course in the fastest time.
Pilots fly individually against the clock and have to complete tight turns through a slalom course consisting of pylons, known as "Air Gates". The races are held mainly over water near cities, but are also held at airfields or natural wonders.
