Ferrari hits 210kmh

A Ferrari-driving businessman hit 210kmh on the Waikato Expressway with a police officer on his tail.

Hui Zhang, 37, of Taupo, appeared in the Hamilton District Court yesterday, where he was fined $1400 and disqualified from driving for eight months.

It was during the day on June 18 when Zhang was spotted travelling at 178kmh by an officer sitting in an unmarked police car near the Lake Rd overbridge. A pursuit ensued. The officer activated his lights and sirens. Instead of pulling over, Zhang hit the accelerator and the late model Ferrari California roared on.

He zoomed under the River Rd overbridge at 210kmh. During the pursuit, Zhang travelled at varying speeds, all in excess of 100kmh. He eventually pulled over near the Te Rapa on-ramp, and was arrested.

Police prosecutor Steve Bell said it was understood the Ferrari was valued about $400,000 and Zhang was believed to have bought the car earlier that day. Zhang’s counsel Shayne Lawrey said he had had a ‘‘good conversation’’ with his client about his driving. ‘‘As soon as he became aware that he needed to pull over, he pulled over immediately.’’

Community magistrate Kathryn Wilson scolded Zhang when passing sentence. ‘‘You may have a beautiful car, but our roads are not designed for cars to go over 100kmh.’’