Hannes Arch of Austria turned the Red Bull Air Race upside down in 2008, winning the championship in his second year after rising from 10th place in his rookie season 2007. Arch was the picture of consistency, finishing on the podium in seven of eight races. He crowned the championship with emphatic victories in Budapest and Porto to become the first European to win the championship. At age 41 Arch was also the youngest title winner, beating Paul Bonhomme with a strong finish after stalking the British ace all season. More than 4 million spectators on 4 continents watched the eight races.