The 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship has officially begun! Despite challenging weather conditions, the first day was packed with essential activities to set the stage for an exciting competition.

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Here's a summary of today's events:

1. Model Processing Teams that hadn't completed model processing yesterday finalised this task today. All drone models have now been checked, ensuring the competition is ready to commence tomorrow.

2. Official Practice Although bad weather caused some delays, all teams had the opportunity to fly and test the track and facilities. The organisers also took this time to verify all electronic devices used for timing and scoring. FAI's official provider for timing and scoring is DSI (USA).

3. Team Managers Meeting Just before the Opening Ceremony, team managers gathered for an important meeting. The organisers presented event details, and team managers had the opportunity to ask questions, primarily focusing on clarifying the competition's procedures.

4. Opening Ceremony (two pictures above) Due to inclement weather, the Opening Ceremony was held indoors at the Tianyuan Grand Hotel. Teams stood proudly as officials welcomed participants and FAI representatives. Short speeches were delivered by the Hangzhou Vice Mayor, the ASFC President and FAI President David Monks. The ceremony concluded with the Hangzhou Mayor, accompanied by other officials, officially declaring the competition open.

Despite the weather-related challenges, the first day of the 2024 FAI World Drone Racing Championship successfully laid the groundwork for what promises to be an thrilling event. With all preparations complete, competitors are now poised to take their drones to the skies in tomorrow's races.

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Team Managers' Meeting

Photo credit: Antonis Papadopoulos