New car tops 180 mph

The Superleague Formula prototype hit more than 300km/h for the first time in testing last week in Estoril, Portugal.

The Estoril test was the final three-day development test for the prototype before the specifications are frozen for the 2008 championship.

"The gearing was still a little bit off, but the data showed a top speed of more than 300km/h for the first time," test driver Bruce Jouanny said.

"The engine from Menard is now at full spec. It is very powerful with incredible torque – the car has really come a long way since our debut in Donington in March.

"All the suppliers and the guys at Hitech have a done a great job – we have now run at Donington, Monteblanco, Magny-Cours, Jerez and Estoril – a great combination of circuits.

"This a real driver's car – the guys are really going to enjoy competing in Superleague Formula."