Australia's Matt Hall says he is as relaxed as he's ever been ahead of this weekend's round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship Series in Kazan, despite being the man the rest of the field is looking to chase down.
Hall leads the standings at the half-way mark on 45 points, with the USA's Michael Goulian on 43 and Czech pilot Martin Sonka on 34 making up the baying pack.
The Australian has been runner-up in the championship twice, in 2015 and 2016, but he says 2018 has been the most fun so far.
"I’m enjoying 2018 a lot more than other years and I don’t necessarily think it’s because I am chasing or leading the world championship,” he said.
“There is probably less pressure chasing in this series, as you have nothing to lose. That being said, I am not feeling any pressure leading and I am the most relaxed I have ever been during a season.
“I think there are a lot of factors involved in feeling like this. The team is one, the speed of our plane is another, we’re in a good place with our sponsors and I am very satisfied with my personal life.”
Hall has scored two wins, a fifth and a third from the four races so far this year, making it his best ever start to a season, but has made a point of ensuring this team stays sharp and fatigue doesn't settle in for the second half of the championship.
“In racing you need to stay ahead of the game," Hall mused, "and if you think you are ahead of the game then you are most likely behind.
“We spent the break improving our situation as a team with meetings, team bonding and better understanding what each person’s role is and how important they are in that role to make the team even better. We’ve arrived here as a very strong unit.
“Going into the second half of the season, we will look for a great result here in Kazan and a great result is winning the race.”
Kazan is hosting a round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship for the second time, the ancient city on the Volga River in Russia having been race destination last year as well.
Sunday’s race action will commence at 8.00 pm AEST (1.00 pm Kazan time). Qualifying can be watched LIVE on www.redbullairrace.com/live. Race day can be watched LIVE on Fox Sports Australia Channel 503 and online. Replays will be on TEN Motorsport.