The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, has today announced that JCB has successfully completed a series of operational tests in the United Kingdom ahead of this summer's hydrogen-powered land speed record attempt, set to be officiated by the FIA on the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah this August.

Held at RAF Wittering, the programme brought together FIA timing personnel and JCB technical specialists to validate the operational procedures, timing systems and safety protocols that will be used during the official FIA record attempt later this year. The test programme formed a key part of the FIA's preparations for officiating the attempt on the Bonneville Salt Flats, ensuring that people, equipment and processes are fully prepared ahead of the record bid.

During the week-long programme, the 32-foot JCB Hydromax streamliner reached speeds of up to 208mph under hydrogen power, providing the team with valuable operational data and allowing them to further refine their procedures ahead of the record attempt.

As the global governing body for motor sport, the FIA is responsible for ensuring that all world record attempts are conducted in accordance with its sporting and technical regulations. This includes vehicle scrutineering, safety inspections, timing verification and the certification of any record achieved.

The FIA and its Member Clubs have overseen and recognised world land speed records for more than a century, providing the independent technical and timing framework required to certify some of the most iconic achievements in motor sport history

A key part of that responsibility is timing. During the UK test programme, FIA timing specialists validated the systems and procedures that will be deployed at Bonneville. FIA regulations require two runs to be completed in opposite directions within a 60-minute period. The official record speed is then calculated as the average of the two runs, helping to account for environmental factors such as wind and track conditions while ensuring a fair and accurate result.

The FIA timing team will work alongside officials from the FIA's network of national sporting authorities (ASNs) and local organisers at Bonneville to ensure that all timing data is independently verified and recorded in accordance with FIA regulations.

The JCB Hydromax is powered by two production-based hydrogen combustion engines producing a combined 1,600bhp. The project marks JCB's return to Bonneville 20 years after the company set the FIA world diesel land speed record with Dieselmax in 2006 — a record that still stands today.

Following the successful completion of testing in the United Kingdom, preparations will now continue ahead of the official FIA world record attempt on the Bonneville Salt Flats later this summer.

H.E. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “The successful completion of JCB Hydromax’s first official test marks an important milestone on the road to a new hydrogen land speed record. This is a big achievement and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Lord Bamford and the entire JCB team. Through this world record attempt JCB is pushing the boundaries of engineering innovation and hydrogen technology, demonstrating the role motorsport can play to advance the future of mobility. I look forward to seeing the project continue to develop ahead of its world record attempt in August."

Lord Bamford, JCB Chairman, said: "The testing of JCB Hydromax at RAF Wittering has been inspiring. Seeing a group of talented engineers working together on a new propulsion technology in pursuit of an official FIA world record in just seven weeks' time was a real thrill for me. I would like to thank the FIA for their support and professionalism during the testing programme and I look forward to seeing their officials on the salt in Bonneville in August."

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact:
Sven Good, Road Sport Communications Manager: Sgood@fia.com

Giulia Martorana, Sport Communications Coordinator: Gmartorana@fia.com

About the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.

Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.