Astles Becomes First Female to Take Pole Position in Red Bull Air Race World Championship

Challenger pilot Melanie Astles set the fastest time in this afternoon's Red Bull Air Race Qualifying session with a time no other competitor could beat. Astles was second to fly and set the early pace with her 1:18.059.

Astles flew after Daniel Ryfa, who began the Qualifying session, but he was the only pilot to pick up a penalty. Two seconds were added to his time for incorrect level flying through Gate 8. This saw the Swedish pilot down in sixth.

Luke Czepiela finished second on the timesheet, just 0.319s behind the French pilot. Czepiela has been getting better and better throughout this race and would like to repeat what happened here last year, when he won.

Ben Murphy continued in his good form and was third on the timesheet crossing the Finish Gate in 1:18.477, just 0.418s off the top spot. Behind Murphy was championship leader Florian Bergér.

Kevin Coleman, at his home race, settled for fifth and will not be happy with the fact he was more than two seconds off the pace.

The Challengers will be heading into the track at 12:00 (local) to see who will be named the 2017 Challenger Cup Champion.