MaD wrote:

I don't get it: Why on earth do so many people pull up and do a
circuit?

Because it's faster than a straight in. Ever tried to land on a short
runway after having arrived at the runway threshold with Vne and a full
load of water? That said, at the competitions I know, there is mostly a
minimal height at which the finish line must be crossed if you don't
land straight in.

Stefan