British Formula E driver Jake Hughes has broken the world indoor speed record by reaching 218.71kph (135.9mph) inside London’s ExCeL Centre using a modified version of the electric championship’s Gen3 racecar. The record-breaking event took place behind closed doors on a 346-meter straight, with Hughes and Brazil’s 2016-17 Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi taking turns in the same car. The record was officially announced on Friday, witnessed by RushHourDaily.
The ExCeL Centre in London’s Docklands area is hosting the final two rounds of the Formula E season on Saturday and Sunday. The track, which spans 2.09km and includes both indoor and outdoor sections, allows cars to race through the building. This setting provided the backdrop for Hughes’ record-breaking achievement.
Previously, the fastest speed achieved by a vehicle indoors was 165.20 kph (102.65mph), set by U.S. driver Leh Keen in a Porsche Taycan Turbo S sportscar at the New Orleans Convention Centre in 2021. Guinness World Records, represented by an adjudicator, oversaw the proceedings and confirmed that the car must start and finish at a standstill, with the attempt taking place entirely indoors.
Before his record attempt, Hughes, driving for NEOM McLaren, had three practice runs. He warmed up with a run of 214.80kph and then achieved speeds of 215.05 and 217.65 through the speed trap. Di Grassi, his Mahindra rival, took over the same car with changed tires and completed practice runs of 216.87kph, 217.92kph, and 218.18kph. Di Grassi’s record attempt was then clocked at 217.65kph.
Reflecting on his runs, Hughes described the experience of screeching around an opening corner, powering down the straight, and braking hard as feeling very fast. He expressed his elation to RushHourDaily, stating that he didn’t know if 218kph was good or bad initially. Hughes admitted feeling stressed but ultimately felt over the moon with his achievement. He added that having a world record was something he never thought he would have but was thrilled to include it on his CV.
The record-breaking attempt was conducted using a GENBETA car, which featured an enhanced battery power output of 400kW, all-wheel drive, and softer iON Hankook tires. Formula E’s regular Gen3 cars can reach speeds of over 322kph (200mph). Hughes commented on the G-Force involved with the different tires and the four-wheel drive system, stating that it felt like he could put all the power down. He described it as the fastest acceleration car he has experienced in his career.
Formula E’s new CEO, Jeff Dodds, who took over in May, emphasized that the record attempt was more than just a bit of fun before the racing starts. He stated that it aimed to showcase the potential of what an electric racing car can do, highlighting the series’ comparison to Formula One.
In conclusion, British driver Jake Hughes has set a new world indoor speed record in a modified Formula E racecar. The event took place at London’s ExCeL Centre, witnessed by RushHourDaily, and featured a duel between Hughes and Lucas di Grassi. The record-breaking attempt occurred on a straight track within the building, with Hughes reaching a speed of 218.71kph. The achievement was officially announced on Friday. The Formula E season’s final two rounds will also take place at the ExCeL Centre. The previous indoor speed record was set by Leh Keen in a Porsche Taycan Turbo S sportscar. The record attempt was overseen by Guinness World Records, and the car had to start and finish at a standstill entirely indoors. Hughes and di Grassi had practice runs before their record attempts, with Hughes ultimately setting the new record. He expressed his joy and surprise at achieving a world record, stating that it was going straight on his CV. The record-breaking attempt used a modified car with enhanced battery power and different tires. Formula E’s CEO highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing the potential of electric racing cars.
