More big news from the world of drone racing: Drone Racing League (DRL) has announced a multi-year, global partnership with insurance brand Allianz. Allianz will be the title sponsor of DRL’s race circuit.
In 2017, the Allianz World Championship series will include six races to test piloting skill and the limits of FPV flight. The races will begin airing on channels such as ESPN and Sky in over 75 countries from June 2017.
Each DRL race will feature 16 of the leading drone pilots – each flying one of DRL’s custom racing drones – through three-dimensional racecourses in iconic venues around the world. The Allianz World Championship races are an elimination style competition that culminates in a world championship and the crowning of the World’s Greatest Drone Pilot.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for The Drone Racing League and a huge leap forward for professional drone racing,” said DRL CEO and Founder, Nicholas Horbaczewski. “To DRL, Allianz is bringing world-renowned brand credibility and a proud history of innovative sports partnerships, including an extensive tradition in auto racing, and an undeniable proof point that the sport of the future has arrived. The scale and long-term nature of the deal shows Allianz’s genuine commitment to advancing the sport and will accelerate the introduction of drone racing to audiences around the world.”
It seems strange to think that DRL launched just over a year ago. It’s fast become the leading global professional drone racing organization, and footage of its first season has already been watched by millions of viewers worldwide.
“The pursuit of innovation and calculated risk taking are the reasons insurance was invented in the first place. Allianz is proud to be partnering with DRL, a true pioneer of today’s digital driven sports,” said Allianz SE Head of Group Market Management & Distribution Jean-Marc Pailhol. “Drones are already an important part of our business so we’re excited to align with DRL as they harness the latest technological advancements and reimagine what racing in the 21st century looks like.”
Where will DRL races be held and how can I watch them?
The “Allianz World Championship” will run for 6 races through 2017: Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta, Boston, Munich and London.
The series will air as 12 hour-long episodes, covering the winner-take-all competition for a six-figure salary and the coveted title of “World’s Greatest Drone Pilot”. The upcoming season will air in more than 75 countries on renowned broadcast channels, including ESPN/ESPN2 in North and South America, Sky Sports in Italy and the UK, and Prosieben in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Races will begin airing globally in June 2017, and DRL will introduce additional broadcast and distribution partners before the season begins.
Malek Murison is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for tech trends and innovation. He handles product reviews, major releases and keeps an eye on the enthusiast market for DroneLife.
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