In a symphony of roaring engines and precision engineering, Bugatti marked a historic moment for its Bolide hypercar as owners gathered at Circuit Paul Ricard for the inaugural "Feeling The Track" event. This exclusive drive experience not only celebrated the delivery of the track-focused Bolide but also reignited the marque’s century-old racing DNA, blending heritage with cutting-edge performance.
A Legacy Reimagined
Circuit Paul Ricard, a circuit steeped in motorsport lore and former host of the French Grand Prix, became the stage where Bugatti’s past and present converged. The Bolide, powered by the iconic quad-turbocharged W16 engine—the final iteration of a powertrain that redefined automotive excellence—embodied Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation. For owners, the event was more than a drive; it was an immersion into a legacy forged by Ettore Bugatti’s race-winning machines of the 1920s and 1930s.
From Classroom to Track: Mastering the Beast
Before unleashing their Bolides, owners underwent rigorous preparation. Morning sessions saw them piloting Porsche 911 GT3 RS models, honing their skills under the guidance of Bugatti’s Pilote Officiels, including Le Mans legend Andy Wallace and touring car champion Bruno Spengler. This foundational training emphasized braking points, apex precision, and throttle control—critical for taming the Bolide’s 1,600 horsepower and Formula 1-level aerodynamics.
By afternoon, the track echoed with the unmistakable growl of the W16 as owners transitioned to their own Bolides. Each car, a bespoke masterpiece, showcased Bugatti’s artisanal craftsmanship: one draped in "Black Carbon" and "Ruby" with gold accents, another in stealthy "Nocturne," a third blending "Black Carbon" and "Blue Carbon," and a fourth in "Argent" sophistication. These personalized specifications underscored Bugatti’s ethos of tailoring hypercars to their owners’ visions.
Pushing Limits, Defining Moments
As drivers took to the circuit’s iconic Mistral Straight and sweeping Signes corner, the Bolide’s capabilities shone. With Spengler and Wallace offering real-time feedback via radio, owners progressively explored the car’s limits—shaving seconds off lap times with each session. The Bolide’s lightweight construction (1,450 kg), active aerodynamics, and 2.5G cornering forces transformed the theoretical into the tangible, delivering a visceral track experience.
Équipe Pur Sang: A Nod to Racing Roots
Amid the adrenaline, Bugatti unveiled the Bolide in a striking "Équipe Pur Sang" (Thoroughbred Team) livery—a tribute to its golden-era race cars. Cloaked in French Racing Blue with bold red accents and historic Bugatti emblems, the design symbolized the marque’s unwavering motorsport spirit. Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti’s Managing Director, noted, “Équipe Pur Sang bridges our past dominance with today’s innovation. It’s a statement of intent for Bugatti’s future in motorsport.”
A New Chapter Begins
The event culminated in a poignant farewell to the W16 era, as Malinowski reflected: “This wasn’t just about speed; it was about honoring a legacy while igniting passion for what’s next.” For Bolide owners, the day was a masterclass in Bugatti’s philosophy—where engineering excellence meets emotional connection.
As the sun set over Circuit Paul Ricard, the echoes of the W16 lingered, a reminder that while this chapter closes, Bugatti’s pursuit of perfection races onward. With the Bolide, the marque has not only redefined hypercar performance but also ensured its storied name remains etched in motorsport history for generations to come.
The "Feeling The Track" event stands as a testament to Bugatti’s ethos: where heritage fuels innovation, and every lap writes history.
"Feeling The Track: Bugatti Bolide Owners Unleash Legacy and Innovation at Circuit Paul Ricard"