Along the Mediterranean coast of Italy, Fabio Barone made history with a bold attempt that blended motorsport with naval engineering. On Thursday, the veteran driver accelerated a Ferrari SF90 across the deck of a navy aircraft carrier, determined to break his own world record for the fastest car on a ship.
Chasing Speed on the Open Sea
Barone wasn’t new to this challenge. Last year, he reached 152 kilometers per hour (94.4 mph) on a carrier in southern Italy, earning recognition from the Italian Timekeepers Federation. This time, off the coast of Civitavecchia near Rome, his goal was to top 160 kph (99.4 mph).
The added risk? He needed to stop before the deck’s ramp — known as the “ski jump” — which loomed dangerously close to a docked cruise ship.
Race engineer Alessandro Tedino admitted the target looked daunting. Overnight, the vessel had remained at sea, and its deck was slick with water in the morning. Naval crew rushed to dry it before Barone’s run, knowing that a wet surface could compromise speed and braking.
“If it had stayed wet, hitting top speed would be almost impossible. The risk factor becomes extremely high,” Tedino explained.
A Ferrari Roars to Life
With the “Top Gun” theme echoing from speakers, Barone’s red-and-black Ferrari SF90 made its dramatic entrance. A group of children with Down syndrome, invited as honorary mechanics for the day, pulled off the satin cover that concealed the car.
Barone slid into the driver’s seat, fired up the V-8 turbo engine, and rolled back and forth to warm up its 1,085 horsepower. Each pass across the deck grew louder, sharper, and faster. Finally, he positioned the car at the far end of the 236-meter (774-foot) runway, waiting for the signal.
The announcer’s voice cut through the air. “Here he goes! Here he goes!” Barone launched forward, tearing past spectators in seconds. The crowd gasped as he slammed the brakes just in time, coming to a controlled stop before the ramp.
The Moment of Truth
As silence returned, the official timekeeper stepped forward, checked the onboard gauges, and declared the result: 164 kilometers per hour (101.9 mph). Applause erupted. Barone had not only broken his previous record but also etched a new mark in the history of motorsport.
Helmet still on, Barone raised his arms to the sky before hugging his crew. Reporters crowded in as he shared his feelings. “When you’re in the car, focus is everything. You only realize you’re breaking the record halfway through,” he said. “Driving like this is almost like playing the piano — both hands and both feet working together.”
Recognition on the Horizon
Barone’s team confirmed that they will now submit the results to Guinness World Records. The organization, in a statement, expressed interest in reviewing the attempt and the supporting evidence.
The daring performance showed not only the capability of Ferrari engineering but also the determination of a driver willing to push limits under extraordinary conditions.
Speed, precision, and courage combined to make the record possible, and Barone proved once again that history is written by those who accelerate toward it.