Quick update on flying conditions here in Rovinj today:
Temperature: 20.6C
Air Pressure: 1016.7 mbar
Wind Direction: NW
Wind Speed: 5-6kts
It's all-change again... yesterday the pilots were flying in SW and SSW winds, today they've again swung back around to NW. That's going to have a knock-on effect on those all-important racing lines today.
The pilots that are going to make it through to the Final 4 will really be testing their mettle out there on the racetrack. It's a massive test of endurance, especially with three Vertical Turning Manoeuvres in each run.
But you know, Mikey G also has his very own way of keeping G-Fit too...
Matt Hall has been taking part in some unique race prep too...
This is how you prepare for a @redbullairrace Matt Hall style #flyingicecream #Rovinj
We're going full-throttle on Race Day here in Rovinj. Here's what's coming up...
12:40 Challenger Cup
14:00 Masters Round of 14
16:00 Masters Round of 8
16:30 Masters Final 4
All times are local (UTC+2)
First up we've got the third round of the Challenger Cup. Yesterday saw Ryfa reclaim the top spot on the timesheets ahead of Brageot and Bolton.
The sea is a bit rougher than it was in Chiba and the barges are moving slightly, making the pylons ‘dance’, which could be tricky for the pilots out there today. It'll be as much about physical fitness as mental agility... both the Challengers and Masters cannot lose a moment of focus in the racetrack this afternoon.
Flying conditions looking fair as the Challengers get ready for their final runs of this race weekend.
Temperature: 21.6C
Air Pressure: 1016.7 mbar
Wind Speed 7-8kts
Wind Direction: NW
Podlunsek prepping for his bid for the podium here in Rovinj.
And Podlunsek is in the track with a great start speed through the Start Gate... cleaning through in his run first so far but it's a buzzer at Gate 9 as he incurs a pylon hit!
He races for the Finish Gate but it seems that pylon hit has put him out of sync as he gets an incorrect level flying at Gate 11. 5 seconds in penalties in total.
Podlunsek 1:10.800
It's Brazilian pilot Francis Barros next into the track. This is Barros' first year in the Challenger Cup and every turn in the track is experience under his belt. He's not positioned himself as a threat for the podium yet but he's acknowledged he's here to learn.
And Barros gains entry into the track and at first glance it's cleanly through to Gate 10, but Race Control buzzes in with a penalty at Gate 6 for incorrect level flying! He was on pace but that seems to have put him really off his game. He comes in +2.733 slower than Podlunsek.
Barros won't be thrilled with that performance but it's all good experience in the cockpit and at the controls. He'll bounce back.
Barros 1:13.533
France's Mika Brageot getting ready for his final run in the track. Brageot took the top spot in the final Training session yesterday but was pushed down into second by Ryfa in Qualifying. He's just got to keep his head in the game out there today. Focus, focus, focus.
Ryfa had a clear margin of well over second in Qualifying so has obviously found his racing lines. But we don't know what Brageot has been working on overnight and he could go out there today with a rock-solid gameplan.
Just under 30 minutes before racing kicks off again. Are you liking the action so far?
Here's a reminder of what's ahead in the Round of 8:
WE ARE BACK! Gearing up for the Round of 8 and some hot race action from Rovinj in Croatia!