New Jaguar XJR takes on 'Jetman' in world-first desert drag race

What do the Jaguar XJR and the Jetman have in common? Absolutely nothing.

However, this didn't stop the Jetman himself from taking on his first ever live race when he squared off against a Jaguar XJR driven by former Formula One star Martin Brundle in the Dubai desert.

Strapped to his 2-metre-wide fixed wing, powered by four Jet-Cat superchargers, the Jetman had some serious competition from Jaguar's camp.

The 5.0-litre, 404kW, supercharged V8 in the all-aluminium new Jaguar XJR can propel the big cat from 0 to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 280km/h.

At the wheel was Martin Brundle, now an F1 commentator, but formerly a teammate of the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Taking place on a closed private road deep in the Dubai desert, the race was captured in a three minute short film.

"This was the most unique race I have ever taken part in," said Brundle.

"I have never seen anything like the Jetman wing, full of technology and innovation, and Yves is an extremely brave man... It turns out he is also a very fierce competitor!"

"The Jaguar XJR gave him some stiff competition," he added.

Brundle was helped off the start line by the XJ's new All Surface Progress Control (ASPC) that automatically limits traction loss on the rear-wheel drive car at low speeds on slippery surfaces, maximising the big cat's grip in tough conditions.

Brundle was able to hit a top speed of 280km/h before he crossed the finish line.

Rossy had far less trouble getting off the line, free falling from the Jetman helicopter for five seconds, then levelling off and powering through the sky above the car, reaching a top speed of nearly 314km/h before he flew over the line.

"Just like the Jaguar, we use light yet strong materials in our wing to optimise performance," said Rossi.

"But while it is the technology and the aerodynamics that make the XJR perform the way it does, with me it is my body movements under the jetwing strapped on my back that make me fly the way I do."

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, XJ said: "The new Jaguar XJ reaffirms its status as the most dynamic, distinctive luxury saloon. Its all-aluminium construction gives it a low weight but high strength base and technology like the electric power-assisted steering and All-Surface Progress Control really does help the driver get the most out of the car."

To find out who won this head-to-head battle, watch the video above...