What Is 2017 Red Bull Air Race of Lausitz

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Red Bull Air Race of Lausitz was the fifth stop of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship, held on June 17–18, 2017, at the Lausitzring in Germany. French pilot François Levothy won the race, marking his first victory in the Master Class category.

Key Facts

The 2017 Red Bull Air Race of Lausitz took place on June 17–18, 2017
It was the fifth round of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship
The event was held at the Lausitzring, a motorsport complex in Brandenburg, Germany
French pilot François Levothy won the Master Class race
Approximately 30,000 spectators attended the event over the weekend

Overview

The 2017 Red Bull Air Race of Lausitz was a high-speed aviation event held at the Lausitzring in eastern Germany, marking the fifth round of the 2017 Red Bull Air Race World Championship season. This stop attracted top-ranked pilots from around the world who competed in precision flying through a low-altitude obstacle course of air gates.

Hosted on June 17–18, 2017, the race returned to the Lausitzring after a one-year absence, drawing large crowds and significant media attention. The weather conditions were favorable, allowing for all race sessions to proceed as scheduled, including qualifying rounds and the final elimination heats.

Location: The race took place at the Lausitzring, a repurposed motorsport complex in Brandenburg, Germany, known for its wide-open spaces ideal for air racing.
Date: The event spanned two days, with qualifying on Saturday, June 17, and the final race on Sunday, June 18, 2017.
Winner: French pilot François Levothy claimed victory in the Master Class, completing the course in 57.787 seconds during the final round.
Competition Format: The race featured 14 Master Class pilots who navigated a slalom-style course of 25-meter-tall air gates at speeds exceeding 370 km/h (230 mph).
Attendance: Organizers reported that approximately 30,000 spectators attended the event over the weekend, with strong turnout despite limited prior promotion.

How It Works

The Red Bull Air Race combines aerobatic skill, split-second timing, and extreme G-forces in a tightly regulated racing format. Pilots fly modified high-performance aircraft through a precise aerial course, with penalties for hitting gates or exceeding time limits.

Course Design: The race track consisted of a series of air gates arranged in a slalom pattern, requiring pilots to make 90-degree turns at low altitude.
Speed Limits: Pilots flew at average speeds of 370 km/h (230 mph) but were restricted to a maximum of 400 km/h (250 mph) in certain zones.
G-Forces: Competitors experienced up to 10 Gs during sharp turns, demanding exceptional physical conditioning and flight control.
Scoring System: Times were recorded electronically, with 2 seconds added for each gate touched and 10 seconds for exceeding the time limit.
Aircraft Type: Pilots used custom-built planes such as the Zivko Edge 540, modified for enhanced maneuverability and safety.
Qualifying: The top 8 pilots from qualifying advanced to the knockout stage, where head-to-head elimination rounds determined the final winner.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key performance metrics from the 2017 Lausitz race to other stops in the season:

Event	Date	Winner	Winning Time	Attendance
Abu Dhabi	March 11, 2017	Matthias Dolderer	56.877 seconds	40,000
Budapest	July 8–9, 2017	Matthias Dolderer	54.345 seconds	35,000
Lausitz	June 17–18, 2017	François Levothy	57.787 seconds	30,000
Chiba, Japan	May 20–21, 2017	Yoshi Muro	59.012 seconds	28,000
Indianapolis	September 9, 2017	Nicklas Wallén	55.211 seconds	25,000

The Lausitz race featured slower winning times compared to other events due to wind conditions and course complexity. However, it played a crucial role in reshaping the championship standings, giving Levothy a significant points boost.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Red Bull Air Race of Lausitz highlighted the growing appeal of precision air racing and demonstrated advancements in aviation technology and pilot training. The event also boosted regional tourism and reinforced Red Bull’s brand presence in European motorsports.

Championship Impact: Levothy’s win moved him into third place in the overall standings, tightening the race behind leader Matthias Dolderer.
Technological Showcase: The race demonstrated innovations in lightweight airframe design and real-time telemetry used during flight.
Safety Protocols: No major incidents occurred, thanks to strict safety rules and advanced parachute systems in all aircraft.
Youth Engagement: Educational programs and flight simulators introduced aviation careers to over 5,000 students during the event.
Media Coverage: The race reached an estimated 120 million viewers via global broadcast partners, including Eurosport and Red Bull TV.
Legacy: The Lausitzring continued to host aviation events, cementing its status as a premier air racing venue in Europe.

The 2017 Lausitz race remains a standout moment in the Red Bull Air Race series, combining thrilling competition with technological excellence and broad public engagement.