FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem is one of the 40 customers who own a Bugatti Bolide. We recently shared how expensive it is to run and maintain one of these track hypercars. But, like most owners, Ben Sulayem is least worried about the costs and doesn’t shy away from burning up a set of fresh Michelin slick tires at the racetrack.
Earlier this week, the FIA boss man spent an evening driving his Bugatti Bolide at the Dubai Autodrome. With its tires lasting just 36 miles, we won’t be surprised if a couple of sets were used up during the session.
The Bolide is a purpose-built track car that generates a peak downforce of over 2,600 kg. This takes a toll on the tires, wearing them out in just a few laps. According to Manny Khoshbin, who also owns a Bolide, a set of replacement tires costs $8000.
The Bolide is powered by an 8.0-liter W16 engine that generates 1577 hp and 1180 lb-ft of torque. The car weighs just 1450 kg (dry), which gives it a power-to-weight ratio of more than 1100 hp per tonne.
Image credit: @shaun_3rs