Video: Formula Offroad in Iceland is by far the greatest sport on the planet

It’s been a while since we’ve checked, but we’re pretty sure cars are still predominantly designed to drive on land. Not these outrageous machines built to take part in Formula Offroad Iceland. When we say off-road, we don’t just mean a bit of mud… these ‘cars’ if you can call them that, are actually capable of maintaining momentum, and buoyancy, on the surface of water.

They then proceed to chew up the earth upon which your standard road car quake and capitulate. This is ridiculous. It’s difficult to discern the depth of technique involved in this, as far as driving on water is concerned, it’s not your everyday activity. Foot to the floor and hope for the best? There’s no doubt these are some pretty skilful drivers behind the wheel, and the level of difficulty in completing a successful run must be stupendous.

The vehicles themselves are powered by V8 engines producing somewhere in the region of 1,000PS (735kW), with brutal looking tyres designed to paddle through the water and also scythe through the countryside. These things aren’t only limited to the minor miracle of driving on water, they’re also capable of climbing near vertical hillsides and cliff faces.

Apologies in advance, you’re about to fall down a pretty deep rabbit hole.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Remember this sensational battle for the win in WSBK?