Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has tested a Formula One racing car, reaching speeds of 240 kilometers per hour.

Putin drove a yellow Renault for several hours around a track near his hometown of St. Petersburg.

The racing car was seen spinning off its line at one of the sharpest curves on the track but Putin continued his drive.

Last month, Putin helped Formula One Supremo sign a seven-year deal to host a Russian Grand Prix from 2014 in the country.