Little-known supercar sets new record at F1 track

Czechia’s automotive industry is best known for the millions of Skodas it has produced, but now another local brand has put their name in the headlines.

Sports car producer Praga has already set the unofficial road car record at the ex-Top Gear Dunsfold Aerodrome, and now it can claim to have the fastest production vehicle around the legendary Spa-Francorchamps.

Praga took its Bohema to a track day at the circuit for what it claimed was just meant to be a customer driving event, though with test driver Aleš Jirásek, it set a time of two minutes and 21.42 seconds, becoming the new record holder.

It defeated the previous record set by the twin-turbo V12-powered Pagani Huayra BC Roadster, which in 2019 set a time of two minutes and 23.08 seconds.

The Bohema was fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres, which – while undoubtedly track-biased – are road-legal, allowing it to take the record.

Powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine from the Nissan GT-R, the Bohema is a limited-run sports car, and sends its 522kW and 725Nm outputs to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential transmission.

Praga also claims the circa-980kg Bohema can produce more than 900kg of downforce at 250km/h, a speed it easily surpassed on the run to Raidillon and Eau Rouge, while hitting an indicated 311km/h down the Kemmel Straight.

"We weren't at Spa to chase a record. We were there with customers to enjoy driving one of the greatest circuits in the world, said Jirásek. 

“After a few sessions we realised the conditions were good and decided to see what the Bohema could do.

"It’s incredible how naturally the car delivers this level of performance. We were on road tyres, there was traffic on track, and the car received no special preparation. That speaks volumes about the underlying capability of the Bohema and the engineering behind it."