2016.02.15
The Japanese qualifier for the World Drone Prix in Dubai, the first global-scale drone race scheduled to be held in Dubai on Friday, March 11, was held on Sunday, February 14, at the Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC).
Due to a heavy spring storm on the day of the event, the race venue was moved from the athletic field to the gymnasium.
Despite the inclement weather, a large number of spectators attended,
and the race was also broadcast live on Niconico Live Streaming, attracting many viewers.
Sixteen teams, including high school students, SFC students, university students, and working adults, participated in the race.
They competed for the fastest lap time in each round, with a time limit of seven minutes.
After Round 1, pilots in Round 2 flew in reverse order of their fastest lap times from Round 1.
The four pilots advancing to the final were also determined by their fastest lap times in Round 2.
The four pilots who advanced to the final were Tomoki Takanashi, Akihiro Narisawa, Koji Kamata, and Yutaro Takamiya.
The results of the final placed the top three as follows:
1. Tomoki Takanashi
2. Akihiro Narisawa
3. Koji Kamata
Selection for the main event in Dubai will now proceed based on fastest times, video footage, and other factors.
Source: Office of Research Development and Sponsored Projects at Shonan Fujisawa Campus