Intro:

Paul Bonhomme of Great Britain qualified in first place for the season opening Red Bull Air Race in Abu Dhabi on Friday, after a complete change in wind direction caused some pilots to hit pylons.

Script:

The spectacular sight of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is back, and the pilots were given a huge test in qualifying for the first event in Abu Dhabi.

A complete change in wind direction meant they had to alter their racing line flying towards pylons at up to 264 miles per hour.

The wing of Nigel Lamb's plane sliced right through one of them. The defending world champion was then penalised for flying too low and finished last.

That means he will face fellow Britain Paul Bonhomme in the round of 14. Bonhomme was quickest here and is looking for his fourth win in the UAE. Having won here in 2008, 2010 and last year.

He said it was perfect conditions for racing.

He finished just over six tenths of a second ahead of Australia's Matt Hall in second.

That first knockout round match between the Brits will be the one to watch on Saturday, what a way to start the new series.