Bugatti Bolide Owners Experience the Thrill of the Track
Owning a multi-million dollar, nearly 1,600-horsepower Bugatti comes with certain privileges. Understanding the need for its clients to experience the full potential of their machines, Bugatti organized an exclusive event at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France for a select group of new Bolide owners.
The “Feeling The Track” event wasn’t just an orientation; it was a continuation of Bugatti’s century-long legacy of racing victories. This gathering celebrated that history while challenging participants to push the boundaries of automotive performance.
At the heart of the event was the final iteration of Bugatti’s W16 engine, which has powered legendary vehicles like the Veyron and several Chiron models. The Bolide, designed for unmatched power and efficiency, represents Bugatti’s dedication to technological innovation and luxury. The ‘Feeling The Track’ event provided owners with a safe environment and professional instruction to experience this extraordinary capability firsthand.
Circuit Paul Ricard, a former host of the French Grand Prix, provided the perfect backdrop. With its combination of sweeping turns, high-speed straights, and varied elevations, the track tested drivers and served as an ideal proving ground for the 1,578-horsepower production race car. Every detail, from the creation of a bespoke ‘flight case’—reflecting elite motorsport standards—to personalized seat fittings, contributed to the excitement of the track experience.
“More than just an opportunity for our customers to understand the Bugatti legacy, ‘Feeling The Track’ marked a defining moment in the story of the Bolide,” said Hendrik Malinowski, Managing Director of Bugatti. “It celebrated a racing heritage that spans over a century, showcasing Bugatti’s unwavering commitment to performance and serving as the ultimate tribute to the W16 era. This was the moment we had all been working toward – witnessing multiple Bolide examples unleashed on the track together.”
Before taking their Bolides onto the track, owners underwent comprehensive training led by experts. This preparation allowed them to harness the car’s extreme performance capabilities. One-on-one instruction with racing experts helped each driver refine their techniques and enhance their understanding of vehicle dynamics. The morning session featured high-performance Porsche 911 GT3 RS models to hone skills before the day’s main event.
On the track, the Bolide hypersports cars displayed the company’s racing heritage, complemented by Bugatti’s unparalleled craftsmanship. The four customer cars, with a combined value exceeding the GDP of some small countries, showcased unique configurations. These included a ‘Black Carbon’ and ‘Ruby’ combination with gold rims, a ‘Black Carbon’ with ‘Blue Carbon’ aesthetic, a ‘Nocturne’ finish, and a ‘Black Carbon’ and ‘Argent’ design. These details highlighted the level of personalization offered by Bugatti.
Throughout the day, Bugatti racing officials Bruno Spengler and Andy Wallace offered expert guidance to help drivers explore their vehicles’ limits. During afternoon sessions, owners put their skills to the test on the challenging track.
Driving in groups, the owners engaged in competitive lap times, fully exploiting the capabilities of their incredibly fast Bolides. With help from seasoned experts and the track’s forgiving layout, drivers were encouraged to push their own boundaries, progressively improving their lap times as they became more familiar with their vehicles’ handling characteristics and performance nuances. This combination of skill, strategy, and adrenaline allowed drivers to push the limits, creating an unforgettable experience.
To further enhance the experience, Bugatti unveiled its ‘Equipe Pur Sang’ package. Meaning ‘Thoroughbred Team’ in French, the package includes exterior inscriptions, a customizable rear wing, and a custom eight-tipped exhaust system, among other features, for an additional $240,000.
“The gathering of multiple Bolide and the introduction of Équipe Pur Sang at Circuit Paul Ricard underscored Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of innovation and engineering excellence,” added Malinowski. “This event marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bolide owners, furthering a storied legacy and reinforcing Bugatti’s commitment to motorsport activities. With Équipe Pur Sang, Bugatti ensures its name remains synonymous with cutting-edge performance and motorsport for generations to come.”
