Watch the new hydroplaning record

54mph is not very fast to drive in a car. Unless, of course, you're driving your car on water.

Which is precisely what Icelandic Formula Offroad driver, Gudbjørn Grimsson, did in his appositely named Insane Racing twin-turbo buggy, in doing so breaking the water speed record for a, er, car.

Largely because it was the first time it's ever been measured. But Gudbjørn reckons he can improve on his run across the 1001-foot river, and plans to come back next year and hit 62mph (100kmh).

Wondering how it works? Well, the huge treads on the tyres act like scoops on a paddle steamer and keep the buggy skimming on top of the very wet water. But to maintain momentum you need power. Lots of power. Which is why Gudbjørn's packing a Nelson Racing 1600bhp Ford V8...

Now watch. Then check out Hammond's sortie into the world of Icelandic off-road turbonutters