This doesn't happen everyday, and we thought it would be cool to bring it to your attention if you haven't already seen it. The clip was posted up on YouTube recently ahead of the Formula E race in Hong Kong on Dec 2-3.
The start was a bit controversial with the cheetah using nothing less than natural instincts to launch itself ahead of the race car driven by Frenchman Jean-Éric Vergne, who races for the TECHEETAH Formula E team.
Organisers of the Formula E created the clip as part of its conservation efforts. Aside from being the fastest land animal, the cheetah is one of the most endangered creatures on the planet. There are only 7,000 remaining in the wild.
Formula E said it is doing its bit to encourage more people to switch to electric mobility so that "it's possible to make our society cleaner for future generations, while helping to preserve habitats for species like the cheetah."
Three cheetahs were actually used during filming to avoid tiring them or endangering their health.
The cheetahs featured in the clip run every day chasing a lure, which helps keep them fit and healthy, and echoes behaviour in the wild. During filming, the same lure was attached to a winch for the cheetahs to chase.
