Biaggi takes on electric motorcycle speed record

Max Biaggi is teaming up with Venturi and Voxan to target a new electric motorcycle speed record.

The six-time world champion, who currently runs his own Moto3 team while he also acts as an Aprilia ambassador, will ride the Voxan Wattman in an attempt to break the 330kph barrier.

The attempt will take place on Bolivia’s famous Uyuni salt flat next summer.

The current record, for an electric motorcycle under 300kg, is 327.608kph set by Jim Hoogerhyde on a Lightning SB220 in 2013.

“I’ve always loved a challenge,” Biaggi said. “When my friend Gildo Pastor came to me with his plan for the world land speed record and the Voxan Wattman, I was obviously going to say yes.

“Gildo is both an expert and a pioneer in the field of electric mobility. Under his impetus, Venturi Automobiles has set a number of records and marked a host of world firsts. I'm proud that I will be taking this new step in my career under the colours of Voxan and Venturi, with whom I’ve already started work.

“The engineers and designers from the R&D department are driven by an extremely motivating sense of determination. Breaking through the 330 km/h mark together with this machine “Made in Monaco” will provide even more evidence of the group’s expertise in this field.”

Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi and Voxan, is thrilled to get Biaggi on board and has faith the combination can break new ground in electric motorcycle speed records.

“I’ve known Max for 15 years, and we share the same values and passions,” Pastor said. “Today sees us reunited on a project close to both our hearts, and one which brings us a little closer together.

“It’s an honour to entrust the Voxan Wattman to a rider who has made his mark on the history of motorcycle racing. To take part in this ambitious adventure and, perhaps, write the names of Venturi and Voxan in the annals of history, it just had to be Max.

“Reaching 330kph represents a huge challenge for a motorcycle in this category, but I am very confident. My faith in high-performance electromobility has not wavered in 20 years.”