Formula E race car smashes world record at ExCeL London

The official Guinness World Record title was achieved by driver Jake Hughes of NEOM McLaren Formula E Team who set the world record for the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors.

The world record attempts took place at ExCeL London.

Hughes and his rival, Mahindra Racing team driver Lucas di Grassi went head-to-head to see who could set the fastest speed indoors, on just 346m of straight racetrack, using the same GENBETA car.

Britain’s Jake Hughes was the first to go with three practice drives, becoming the unofficial world record holder with his first run of 214.80 km/h, before increasing the record again. An adjudicator from Guinness World Records monitored the attempts to ensure the drivers met strict criteria.

The drivers started from a standstill inside the ExCeL London events arena and navigated a 130-degree turn at around 40 km/h before quickly accelerating along the 346m straight of the racetrack.

The indoor straight is part of the 2.09km track which is unique in world motorsport for extending inside and outside the 100,000 sq/m ExCeL London events arena in the Docklands area of east London.

ExCeL track

ExCeL London also hosted the final two races in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship 29 and 30 July.

World record holder Jake Hughes, driver, NEOM McLaren Formula E team, says: “Driving the GENBETA car and setting the Guinness World Record title for the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors was a really special experience.

"I feel very honoured to have been asked and to be involved in such an exciting project.”