Over 200 mph . . . on ice?

This story dates from February last year, but I hadn't come across it until today.  Eurotuner reported:

Finland’s four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen drove a Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible on the frozen waters of the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Finland, at a breathtaking 205.48mph (330.695km/h) to set a new world speed record on ice.

. . .

With the help of his experienced team plus Bentley engineers, Kankkunen overcame the challenges of temperatures as low as -30˚C, sudden snow blizzards and potentially dangerous crosswinds on the 16.5km track on a 70cm/28”-thick layer of sea ice. The record attempt was driven over a kilometer-long measured distance, with the speed certified by officials from the Finland Traffic Police.

. . .

“200mph came up after 5km on sheet ice. Then it was just a question of getting everything right in the timing zone and hoping the snow kept away. There’s nothing to beat driving a Bentley at these speeds; the conditions may be perilous but the car responds so well to the slightest adjustment, which gives you the confidence to push even harder.”

As with the previous record-breaking drive, the Anglo-Finnish team used a car with minimum modifications. A fully-welded, heavy-duty safety rollcage, along with 275/40 R20 Pirelli SottoZero II winter tires and a rear bumper-mounted parachute were the only provisions made. Front and rear spoilers also provided high-speed stability on the treacherous surface.

There's more at the link.  Here's a video clip of the record attempt.

I note they made the run when the sun was barely above the horizon.  Thinking about it, that makes sense - the sun wouldn't have been warm enough to melt the ice, creating a slippery surface.  Not something one has to worry about in an average speed record attempt, no?

Peter