Owning one of the world’s fastest cars doesn’t mean you’re instantly ready to drive it at speed. That’s why Bugatti required Bolide customers to warm up in a Porsche 911 GT3 RS before unleashing their multimillion-dollar hypercars at Circuit Paul Ricard.
With a claimed top speed of 311 mph, the track-only Bugatti Bolide is in a league of its own. Equipped with a quad-turbocharged W-16 engine producing 1,578 horsepower, the Bolide offers a level of performance that even experienced drivers must approach with caution. To ensure that owners were prepared, Bugatti first put them behind the wheel of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a 518-horsepower supercar renowned for its precision and balance on the track.
Bugatti’s event, held at the former French Grand Prix circuit, aimed to ease owners into the Bolide’s extreme performance. Before piloting their own vehicles, participants received guidance from professional instructors, including endurance racing veterans Andy Wallace and Bruno Spengler. Bugatti structured the training to help drivers refine their technique in the GT3 RS before transitioning to the Bolide.
“The morning session saw them on track in Porsche 911 GT3 RS models, sharpening their skills in preparation for the afternoon, where they transitioned to their own Bolide,” Bugatti stated.
Only four customer-owned Bolides participated, each finished in bespoke liveries, ranging from deep carbon black to striking combinations of ruby, blue, and argent. Bugatti did not disclose lap times but noted that each driver pushed closer to the limit with every lap.
While the 911 GT3 RS is a formidable machine, the Bolide exists in a different stratosphere, making even the Porsche feel tame by comparison. Some owners may have left the event questioning whether the Bolide is too much car—but that’s a thought few would admit out loud.