Max Biaggi and electric motorcycle constructor Voxan are set to attempt to break no fewer than 12 world speed records, on the runway of Châteauroux airport in France.
Max Biaggi and electric motorcycle constructor Voxan are set to attempt to break no fewer than 12 world speed records, on the runway of Châteauroux airport in France. The challenge, taking place over three days starting on 30 October, will see the six-time world motorcycling champion and the Monegasque company celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Venturi Group’s electric adventure.
A celebration all the same
These world speed record attempts were originally due to take place last July on the planet’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia. Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi, was keen for the event to form part of the Group’s 20th anniversary. However, it was ultimately postponed owing to COVID-19. With the health crisis still on-going, there is no immediate prospect of travel to Bolivia being possible.
As a result, and to ensure the 20th anniversary is marked in fitting style all the same, Gildo Pastor has opted to set up at Châteauroux airport, in central France, whose runway meets the criteria laid down by the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme).
From 88 to 330 km/h… minimum
Voxan and Max Biaggi will hit the tarmac with both the semi-streamliner and non-streamlined Wattman (see photo above: on the left, the non-streamlined Wattman; in the centre, the lighter version of the semi-streamliner Wattman (used in case of side winds); and on the right, the fully decked-out semi-streamliner Wattman).
Each 270 kW (367 hp) machine will attempt to set the stopwatch alight over the following distances: ¼ mile, 1 mile, and 1 km – each time from both a standing start, and a flying start.
In six of these categories, no official attempt has ever been made before, and so six new records are guaranteed. In the remaining six categories, there are records to be beaten. The target speeds vary considerably. In the semi-streamliner category, for example, the speed for the ¼ mile is 87 km/h, whereas for the mile the figure is 329 km/h.
Quotes
“The whole team has been ready to take on these world records for several weeks. So instead of waiting to find out whether we will be able to ride in Bolivia in June 2021, I have decided to make the attempt now, on the track that’s both best suited and closest to our base in Monaco. If the weather conditions are good, we will be able to collect some records. It will be a fine way to mark 20 years of the Venturi Group.”
Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi
“This will be our third time riding on the runway at Châteauroux airport. The performances in testing in June and August gave us confidence. We are more than ready. This weekend, if the track is dry and the side winds are light, we will be able to beat several records. I can’t wait to bring these titles back to Monaco and the team!”
Max Biaggi, rider of the Voxan Wattman
