Bugatti has taken to the Circuit Paul Ricard to test its Chiron and Chiron Sport models. Driven by Bugatti test driver and Le Mans GT class winner Pierre-Henri Raphanel, the OEM has put its two hypercars cornering capabilities to the test at the French track.
“Where better to test a hyper sportscar extensively and safely than on a racetrack? Even novices quickly feel at home here,” said Raphanel. “Even though we go very fast on the straight bits, accelerating round corners is much more interesting. With the Chiron models, it’s easy to wave around the curves.”
For Lewis Hamilton, it took 1:30:11 minutes for a 5.842km lap on the new track, driving an average speed of over 206km/h. “We’re not quite that fast because a Formula 1 racing car is built much more uncompromisingly than a Bugatti Chiron. But the hyper sportscar offers more power and above all comfort,” added Raphanel.
Situated 40km outside Marseille, the circuit has nine left turns and six right. The starting line is followed by a 590m-long straight. This is followed by an S-curve, a short straight line, a right-left combination and a double-right curve. On the Mistral straight, it’s possible to hit top speed, before the track hits a right-left-right combination. The end follows a slight right turn, a short straight and a double right.
