Koenigsegg One:1 sets Suzuka lap record – unofficially [video]

Koenigsegg has set a new lap record at Japan’s Suzuka circuit with its blistering One:1 supercar – unofficially.

Yes, the record time of 2:17.57 was unofficial because it was from Koenigsegg’s own data-logging system connected to the car. Nevertheless, that’s faster than the current official record holder, the Nissan GT-R with 2:18.36.

According to Koenigsegg, they only had an hour on the track and factory driver, Robert Serwanski, had never driven at Suzuka before. The One:1 was running on a “standard setup” with factory tyres and only minor aero modifications.

“The car performed extremely well but there’s no doubt that with more time invested in getting to know the track and the optimal setup, it could go much faster,” said Serwanski who did 20 laps on the circuit, all with a passenger beside him.

“We had to take care of the brakes a little. It was an oversight on our part, but we didn’t put new pads in before shipping the car to Japan and we didn’t bring fresh pads with us. Hard braking was an issue as a result, which will influence the speed at which you approach a corner.

While we were carrying an extra person in the car in all of our laps, this wasn’t a big factor. It does affect your steering and braking at the limit, but we were not at the limit today. The confidence to be at the limit requires a lot more knowledge of the intricacies of the track and that only comes with hours and hours of time on the tarmac.”

The Koenigsegg One-1 is powered by a twin-turbo 5.0-litre V8 that develops an astonishing 1,000kW (1,360PS) and 1,371Nm of torque, channelled to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

Hit play and watch the Koenigsegg One:1 at the Suzuka Circuit below.