The Red Bull Air Race World Championship is now underway, having kicked off for 2010 in Abu Dhabi.

Air Race, in case you're not familiar, features the world's top 15 pilots starting their 6-month long battle for championship points in the first of eight races on a total of five continents - taking in everywhere from Rio to New York.

The pilots combine speed, precision flying and nerves of steel while flying at speeds reaching 370 km/h (230 mph) and withstanding forces of up to 12G.

The UK's own flying ace Paul Bonhomme of Britain will be looking to defend his title this year, with fierce competition from Austria’s Hannes Arch, the 2008 champion.



There's an exclusive highlights clip from the Abu Dhabi race that you can check out here, plus don't forget to check out all the race action in its entirety this Saturday 17 April at 11am on Five.

Check who's top of the leaderboard, plus more photos and video over at www.redbullairrace.com.