Juan Pablo Montoya sets a world record!

Former Williams and McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya is the proud holder of a new world record, achieved in association with Bugatti.

The automotive company's iconic Chiron, whose 8-litre quad-turbocharged 16 cyclinder power unit develops a cool 1,479 bhp, was entrusted to the Colombian racer to demonstrate just how fast it is.

Seven-time Grand Prix winner Montoya beat the world record for the fastest car to accelerate from nought to 400km/h and then back to nought again.

The time was 41.96 seconds, which on the surface may appear a bit underwhelming. The first stage acceleration segment took 32.6 seconds and 2.6km. But it only took 9.3 seconds and 491 meters for Montoya to grind to a halt.

©Bugatti

As for Montoya, a huge Bugatti fan, he said he felt so secure behind the wheel of the supercar - or hypercar - that he didn't even feel the need the wear a helmet!

"It gave me such a feeling of security and reliability that I was entirely relaxed and really enjoyed myself during my two days with the car.

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"It really was incredible to see that you didn’t need the complex preparations we have to make in racing for the 0-400-0 drive," he added.

"With the Chiron, it was all quite easy. Just get in and drive off. Incredible.

Anyone out there who wishes to emulate Montoya's exploit will have to fork out a hefty $2.7 million first!

©Bugatti

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.