The rolling green fields of southern England will form a unique mid-season contrast for the pilots of the Red Bull Air Race as they meet in Ascot, England for the fifth of eight races on the international circuit over the weekend of 13-14 August 2016.

Famous as an equestrian racing track, this is the third time the race has been held at Ascot, and once again the English summer weather is playing fair. Light winds, clearing skies and some sunshine are expected over the whole weekend.

It’s an important race for two of the pilots involved, because for them there is an element of homecoming.

Nigel Lamb is a Red Bull Air Race veteran, and for him it will be his last visit to Ascot before he retires. The Brit was in the air for practice task on Friday, but it didn’t go according to plan.

"I didn't enjoy the first session today,” he said, “I made an error in the takeoff and had my power setting too low. I also didn't fly the best lines. It's all about keeping the energy in the raceplane here.”

And Melanie Astles, the only woman to compete in the series, in the Challenger Class, was born not too far away, in the town of Rugby.

She said: “I enjoyed it a lot out there today. As I'm half British this is definitely my home race. I really like this track, but I need more time in it to improve my lines and make sure I can get a better time."

Follow the action live online at www.redbullairrace.com