Monday 2nd July 2018

New Silverstone FWD record for Type R

Hot Civic beats benchmark time set by its predecessor as Time Attack tour continues

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Honda's Time Attack tour is continuing apace as the manufacturer attempts to replicate the success of its previous set of record runs. Having already beaten front-wheel drive records at Magny-Cours and Spa, the FK8 has now claimed another fastest time at the home of British motorsport, Silverstone.

We had previously speculated that the track could be next on Honda's hit list, although it was three-time BTCC champion Matt Neal behind the wheel, rather than our pick of Jenson Button. Neal set a time of 2:31.32, just beating the previous record of 2:31.85 set by the previous Civic Type R in 2016.

"Where I found the real advantage of the Type R was really in the high-speed corners - the stability which is a combination of the aero and the new advanced suspension system," said Neal. "Into corners like Copse and Stowe at the end of the Hangar straight, you can carry big entry speed with supreme confidence."

Estoril and the Hungaroring are next, with Button and WTCC driver Tiago Monteiro yet to take the wheel. For now, though, you can compare and contrast the 2016 and 2018 record laps below.

 

[ukaskew]

Half a second over a 2:30 lap is press release worthy? I can only assume the marketing dept were sweating a bit when - presumably - the first however many laps failed to best the 'record'.