French train breaks speed record

A high-speed French train with a modified engine and wheels broke the world speed record today for conventional rail trains by reaching 357.2mph.

The train with three double-decker carriages, named the V150, bettered the previous record of 320.2mph that was set in 1990 - also by the French.

However, it fell short of the ultimate record set by Japan's non-conventional magnetically levitated train, which sped to 361 mph in 2003.

The endeavour showcased technology France is trying to sell to overseas markets such as China.

AP