Michael Goulian triumphed in Abu Dhabi ©Getty Images

United States’ Michael Goulian triumphed in the opening event of the Red Bull Air Race Word Championship in Abu Dhabi.

The competition, accredited by the World Air Sports Federation, was the opening event of the 2018 series.

Taking place over Yas Island, Goulian was able to triumph in the low altitude race having reached the four-pilot final.

He achieved a time of 53.695sec in the final to secure the second win of his career.

The Americans previous success in the series came nine years ago when he topped a podium in Budapest.

Japan’s Yoshihide Muroya produced a strong performance at the event, finishing second in a time of 54.650.

Defending champion Yoshihide Muroya ended as the runner-up in the opening event of the series ©Getty Images
Defending champion Yoshihide Muroya ended as the runner-up in the opening event of the series ©Getty Images

It marked an impressive start for the defending champion to the series.

The podium was completed by the Czech Republic’s Martin Šonka, who ended the race in a time of 54.768.

Competition is due to continue on April 21 and 22 with the second event of the series scheduled to take place in Cannes in France.

Another European event is scheduled to take place in Bilboa on May 26 and 27, with Budapest holding the fourth competition on June 23 and 24.

An Asian event is due to be held in Astana on August 4 and 5.

There are then scheduled to be events in Russian city Kazan on August 25 and 26 and Indianapolis in the US on October 6 and 7. 

The series is then due to draw to a conclusion in Perth in Australia on a date still to be announced in November.