On a sunlit Thursday along Italy’s Mediterranean coast, the air was filled with anticipation and the unmistakable hum of possibility.

The event was far from ordinary—a race for the record books was about to unfold not on a traditional track, but atop the deck of a massive navy aircraft carrier.

Here, Fabio Barone, a celebrated driver with a flair for the dramatic, prepared to chase a world record: achieving the fastest speed ever driven by a car on a boat.

Fabio Barone is no stranger to breaking boundaries.

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Just last year, he stunned audiences and officials alike when he set the Italian Timekeepers Federation’s record on another aircraft carrier in southern Italy, clocking an astonishing 152 kilometers per hour, which equals 94.4 miles per hour.

This time, on the coast of Civitavecchia near Rome, Barone set his sights even higher.

His goal was to reach at least 160 kilometers per hour, then bring his supercar to a safe halt before the end of the ship’s flight deck.

This task was complicated by a so-called “ski jump” at the edge of the deck, behind which a cruise ship was docked—making precision braking absolutely critical.

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Because of the unique and risky nature of this challenge, every detail mattered.

Race engineer Alessandro Tedino explained to The Associated Press just how delicate the attempt would be.

“If it remained wet, then of course it’s impossible to have the maximum speed and best brakes. It can be very, very dangerous,” he noted.

The ship had spent the night at sea, and the early morning revealed a damp deck. The crew sprang into action, drying the surface with great care. By the time the late summer sun cut through the clouds, the deck was finally safe for the record attempt.

As the ship bustled with excitement, the “Top Gun” theme song echoed from speakers, adding cinematic flair to an already extraordinary setting.

From the carrier’s portside elevator, Barone’s team and a crowd of journalists, naval officers, and VIPs rose to the deck. A group of children with Down syndrome, honored as “mechanics for the day,” unveiled the star of the event: a gleaming red-and-black Ferrari SF90.

The moment was moving and symbolic, connecting the high-octane pursuit with a spirit of inclusivity and joy.

Barone approached his Ferrari with calm confidence, then slipped into the driver’s seat.

He did not rush. Instead, he took the time to drive back and forth along the length of the 236-meter (774-foot) flight deck several times.

This routine was not just about showmanship; it was necessary to warm up the car’s powerful V-8 turbo engine. With each pass, the engine’s roar grew louder, signaling that the moment of truth was near.

Positioned at the very end of the deck, Barone waited for the all-clear. The tension was palpable as the announcer’s voice rang out: “Here he goes! Here he goes!”

In a blur of speed and color, Barone shot down the deck, racing past the crowd in mere seconds.

The Ferrari’s immense power was on full display, and Barone managed to bring it to a safe stop, well before the ski jump. The audience applauded, though with some hesitation—they did not yet know if history had truly been made.

The official timekeeper soon approached the vehicle and checked the all-important gauges.

With excitement building, he declared, “The detected velocity: 164 kilometers per hour (101 mph). I declare it the new speed record on a ship!”

The crowd erupted in applause, their uncertainty replaced by shared celebration.

Barone, overjoyed, raised his arms to the sky and embraced his team, his helmet still firmly in place. Reporters hurried to capture his reaction.

Reflecting on the achievement, Barone said, “The main thing you focus on is concentration and then you realize that you are breaking the record only when you are halfway. I have two hands, two feet and I use them at the same time like a pianist.”

His words captured the blend of skill, poise, and adrenaline that marked the day.

Meanwhile, race engineer Tedino shared that Barone’s team would submit the certified result to Guinness World Records.

The organization responded with enthusiasm, stating, “We look forward to receiving and reviewing the application and supporting evidence for his latest attempt.”

Because of the collaboration, courage, and commitment on display, the day ended with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what comes next.

Therefore, Fabio Barone’s breathtaking run did not just set a new world record—it turned an aircraft carrier into a racetrack and a bold dream into reality.

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