Front-wheel drive French hot hatch beats the Civic Type R around Belgian circuit, adding to its earlier triumph at the 'Ring.

The Renault Megane RS Trophy-R has added another accolade to its portfolio, setting a new front-drive lap record at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

With a time of 2 minutes 48.338 seconds, the hardcore Megane was "more than five seconds better" than the previous record set by the Honda Civic Type R a year ago.

Piloting the French hot hatch was company test driver Laurent Hurgon (top), who has set multiple lap records in various generations of Renault Sport models, including the Megane RS Trophy-R's benchmark time at the Nurburgring.

"Spa-Francorchamps is one the most exciting circuits in Europe for drivers. It is very fast and complex and the car is perfect for this configuration," Hurgon said.