Formula One star Martin Brundle and New Jaguar XJR take on high-flying ‘Jetman’ in world-first desert drag race

In a unique contest deep in the Dubai desert, Jetman Dubai pilot Yves Rossy took on his first-ever live race when he went head-to-head against a Jaguar XJR driven by former Formula One star Martin Brundle. The 2.8-kilometre race took place on a closed private road and in the skies above it, and was captured in a three-minute short film available on Jaguar MENA Youtube.

Brundle, who drove in F1 alongside Michael Schumacher and is now a commentator, had the new all-aluminium 550PS, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR at his disposal, while Rossy was strapped to his two meter-wide fixed wing, powered by four Jet-Cat superchargers.

Brundle was helped off the line by the XJ’s innovative All Surface Progress Control (ASPC), a high-tech system that automatically limits traction loss on the rear-wheel drive car at low speeds on slippery surfaces, maximising grip in tough conditions. He was able to reach a top speed of 280 kilometres per hour (km/h) before crossing the finish line. After five seconds of free-fall following his jump from the Jetman launch helicopter, Rossy was able to level off and power through the sky above the car, reaching a top speed of 313.8 km/h before he flew over the line.

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, XJ said, “The new Jaguar XJ reaffirms its status as the most dynamic, distinctive luxury saloon. Its all-aluminium construction gives it a low weight but high strength base. Technology like the electric power-assisted steering and All-Surface Progress Control really does help the driver get the most out of the car.”