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See the Red Bull Air Race fantasy tracks here
We take a closer look at the tracks you can only fly in the game, not IRL.
Red Bull Air Race certainly looks the part
© Slightly Mad Studios
The fantasy tracks take in some of the most exotic locations around the planet, and include Mont St. Michel, Uluru, Grand Canyon, Arches National Park, the Great Wall of China and the North Pole – not exactly the type of tranquil locations we can imagine Air Race organisers actually getting real-life planning permission for.
Jarek Kleiber, Slightly Mad Studios senior producer, explains: “We chose locations that are natural or manmade wonders of the world, as recognisable as they are stunning, where the Red Bull Air Race wouldn’t necessarily go during a season. North Pole crowds may be on the low side, other than Polar Bears, that is…”
Red Bull Air Race visits a monastery
© Slightly Mad Studios
As well as providing jaw-dropping scenery that differs wildly between each track, the fantasy locations also offer different challenges for racers. Despite a simple appearance, Arches National Park features a double gate that’s critical to achieving a good time – mess it up and you can wave goodbye to setting a lap record or beating your friends.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular destinations you can visit, and it’s well worth a trip in Red Bull Air Race: The Game, too. Kleiber points out that it’s one of the most undulating courses on the circuit, and keeping the plane level throughout the gates is key to getting yourself on the podium.
Is there a cooler venue for a race?
© Slightly Mad Studios
As the name cunningly hints, Great Wall takes place at the Great Wall of China, criss-crossing the ancient barricade multiple times and setting another tough, undulating path. Taking advantage of the sloping terrain after turn seven is your best opportunity of setting a decent time, says Kleiber.
Never thought you’d see Red Bull Air Race visit a monastery? Neither did we, but thanks to Slightly Mad it’s now a possibility, with Mont St. Michel one of the tightest and most demanding tracks on the Air Race circuit. There’s literally no room for error.
The North Pole is another brilliantly eclectic choice, and while Polar Bears may not appreciate the smell of petrol and oil in the air, it’s definitely a fun track for gamers. Mastering the North Pole is all about nailing the vertical turn preceding an ice arc fly through, and Kleiber also highlights the importance of the following chicane if you want to set the perfect lap.
Uluru is the final fantasy track, and it’s one of the longest races in the Red Bull Air Race calendar. Setting the perfect time through the chicanes is all about the run up, although it’s the Cuban turn that’s more likely to make or break your lap.
Want to test your reactions on the fantasy tracks? Red Bull Air Race: The Game is free to download for PC, and also supports VR. You can download it here.
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