BUDAPEST, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Hungarian stop of Red Bull Air Race 2019 moves to Lake Balaton from capital city of Budapest, said local media here on Saturday.
"The Red Bull Air Race is an international event with the highest quality standards, therefore we are delighted to provide the venue for the Hungarian stop in 2019. As well as the high speed, low altitude action of the race, there will be a full weekend side act programmes for the whole family to enjoy," said Mayor of Zamardi Gyula Csakovics, quoted by Hungarian news portal Index.hu.
"The city of Zamardi has over 15 years of professional experience in hosting large, outdoor events and is perfectly suitable for hosting the Red Bull Air Race. The surroundings and the spectacular view will live up to the standards of the competition, and Red Bull Air Race will bring great publicity to both the city and the whole Balaton region," he added.
Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe. Known for its clear and warm water, it is a beloved tourist destination of Hungary.
Red Bull also confirmed the decision to move the event: "I want to thank Mayor Csakovics and all the people and organizations from the area who have welcomed the Red Bull Air Race to Lake Balaton," said Erich Wolf, general manager of Red Bull Air Race.
"Our pilots and partners are already eager to meet new fans and take off in this beautiful setting, with its deep racing heritage in sailing and other water-sports. We look forward to adding a new chapter here to our long and unparalleled history in Hungary," said Wolf.
All tickets purchased for the race in Budapest are valid for a full refund from the original ticket provider and ticketing options for Lake Balaton will be announced shortly, according to Red Bull.
On Feb. 5, Budapest Mayor Istvan Tarlos said he withdrew the permission granted to Red Bull to organize the event in the capital city.
"Taking into account the comments and interests of the Budapest population, we informed the organizers of the Red Bull Air Race that due to the circumstances of the event, the capital could not issue the authorizations for the event planned for July this year," said the Tarlos.
The organization of the event came along with extreme congestions in the capital for several weeks, as the banks of the River Danube had been closed to the traffic, while the population complained of the constant noise of the practicing airplanes.
Since it was officially launched in 2003, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship has become globally renowned as the one of the most exhilarating motorsport series on the planet.
The Red Bull Air Race World Championship quickly became a visual spectacle. A combination of high speed, low altitude and extreme maneuverability makes the sport accessible only to the world's most exceptional pilots.
