Red Bull Air Race

Matthias Dolderer had a sensational run in the second half of his rookie year, scoring more points in the final 3 races (22) than anyone - except world champion Paul Bonhomme and runner-up Hannes Arch - to thoroughly shake up the race hierarchy. The German stuck to his rookie-year game plane, using the first half of the season to learn the ropes and then, with the help of mid-season engine modifications, went all out in the second half.

A fun-loving bachelor from southern Germany, Dolderer brought a myriad of innovations to the race, including a charter flight filled with fans to the Budapest race and a Playboy Playmate deployed as a mascot to keep team spirits high. Always highly focused, Dolderer was not distracted by the modest results early on. His strategy was clear: first learn to fly the tracks as safely and cleanly. And then attack.

Dolderer’s dazzling second half struck fear into the hearts of the title contenders. He is confident of more glory in 2010 now that he has a full year’s worth of experience under his belt. He spent much of the off-season in the United States, flying, training physically and working on his Edge 540. Dolderer has set his sights on a top four finish for 2010.

Dolderer, who has 25 years’ flying experience, owns the Tannheim Air Field and the Tannheim Flight School and organizes the annual ‘Tannkosh’ event there which is Europe’s biggest Fly-In. He took his first flight at 3 with his father and his first solo flight at 14. He got a glider and ultralight license at 17. Just days later, he took 3rd in the German Championships. At 21 he became the youngest flight instructor in Germany. He has flown more than 100 different types of aircraft, has performed in numerous air shows across Europe since 1993 and participated in many championship competitions.

THE TEAM

Dolderer has an international ensemble consisting of German team coordinator Marco Gröbner and US tech, Kelley Brow. Bringing previous air race experience, Brow helped the rookie team to reach exciting heights in their inaugural season last year. His technical knowledge of the Edge 540 combined with a can-do attitude makes him a valuable team member. Brow spends his spare time flying and restoring aircraft when at home in Missouri.