Tycoon's 417kph autobahn stunt fuels speed limit debate in Germany

BERLIN: A Czech millionaire whose Bugatti Chiron hit 417kph, while blasting down the German autobahn has refuelled a debate about clamping speed restrictions on the country's famous high-speed highways.

Police are investigating the incident after driver Radim Passer, 58, posted a video of the run along an unrestricted three-lane section of the A2 motorway between Berlin and Hanover on his YouTube channel.

There is an ongoing debate in Germany over whether or not speed limits should be imposed on unrestricted autobahn sections and the issue was championed by green-leaning political parties in last year's general election.

In fact, only around 70 per cent of the motorway system is without speed limits, with many sections restricted to 130kph either permanently or because of roadworks.

The Bugatti power drive was legal, but both the German Transport Ministry and police say they reject any road traffic behaviour that could endanger other road users.

"All road users are obliged to abide by the rules of the road traffic regulations," the ministry added. The law also calls on drivers to "only drive so fast that the vehicle is constantly under control."

The footage shows the three-million-euro priced Bugatti barrelling down the fast lane, overtaking several vehicles moving at a much slower speed.

Passer, who said "safety was a priority", is seen in the video taking his hands off the steering wheel in celebration while his passenger claps. The film has so far garnered more than 7 million views and thousands of comments.

Despite his apparent joy in touching 417kph. the investment businessman set only the third fastest speed down the autobahn.

The existing record was established in 1938 by racing driver Rudolf Caracciola who reached 432.7kph in a streamlined Mercedes-Benz on a stretch of motorway between Frankfurt and Darmstadt

The Czech edition of the business magazine Forbes estimates Passer's fortune at the equivalent of around US$304.93 million.