Despite a difficult season so far, including three engine changes in just three races this year, the Breitling Racing Team has clinched the top spot at the first Red Bull Air Race held in East Asia. Held at Putrajaya over the last weekend, the win is the first for principle pilot Nigel Lamb. Austria’s Hannes Arch and Australia’s Matt Hall also managed podium finishes in second and third place respectively. Nonetheless, Arch is now the overall lead with 30 points. Reigning champion Paul Bonhomme ended his streak of 15 straight podium finishes, but is overall second with 25 points, while Lamb moved into third with 17 points.

Lamb, who had previously toured Malaysia as a display pilot for five years, remains popular in the country and saw strong support from his fans as he clocked a time of 1:15.023, the fastest of the day. The victory was an emotional one for Lamb, who had gotten six second-place finishes in the 43 previous races over seven seasons.

“I have learnt a lot, to know the balance between taking risks and not risking too much. It’s a great feeling. Thank you for all the support, it’s a team effort, including Breitling and the Red Bull Air Race organisation, it’s been a fantastic race and event here in Putrajaya, it’s great to be back in Malaysia,” said Lamb.