Felipe Massa races the fastest animal on earth!

©FormulaE

In an attempt to ruffle a bird of prey's feathers, Felipe Massa spread his electric wings ahead of next weekend's opening round in Saudi Arabia of the 2018/19 ABB FIA Formula E championship.

The former F1 driver challenged a peregrine falcon - the fastest animal on earth, capable of flying at almost 350 km/h - to a speed test.

Thanks to a lure attached to the top of Massa's Gen2 Formula E car, the falcon was enticed to chase the racer, but the Brazilian ultimately flew ahead.

"It was an incredible experience for me to race against the fastest member of the animal kingdom -- it's not something I will forget in a hurry," said Massa who will make his FE debut this week at Ad Diriyah with the Venturi squad.

Earlier this year, Techeetah's Jean-Eric Vergne pitted himself against a… cheetah, an amusing battle that pleased the fans who then suggested a fight - or flight - against the falcon.

"I like the fact that this idea came from the fans, and Formula E listened and accepted the challenge," said Massa, who denied however the Formula E was for the birds…

Check out the video of the fast and furious confrontation:

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