Two drivers had their licences confiscated Thursday in France on the second day of a "Cannonball" run that began in London and ends in Paris after going through Spain, Monaco and Italy.

The 50-odd participants in the Cannonball 2000 who hope to zoom through Barcelona, Monte Carlo and Milan before finishing on the Champs Elysees on Sunday, arrived in France early Thursday after crossing the Channel by ferry.

Police stopped two drivers north of the French city of Rennes after catching them driving at speeds of up to 160 kilometres (100 miles) per hour on a four-lane highway limited to 110 and confiscated their licences.

Three others were fined and a further three were recorded as marginally exceeding the speed limit.

The tour is named after a 1981 film, "Cannonball Run", starring Burt Reynolds and Roger Moore. It is for the well-heeled and this year's run features Lamborghinis, Maseratis and Ferraris among other high-powered motors.

There was great excitement when the competitors arrived from Portsmouth in Britain to drive across France in a bid to reach Barcelona by late Thursday afternoon. The rally flagged off in London on Wednesday.

A particpant named Robert, at the wheel of a black Ferrari, said: "It's going to be a very exciting day but we won't be in Barcelona before 8. We can't go faster than the speed limits."

A man named David echoed him, saying: "We've had a briefing with the French police. They told us the speed limit on the highway is 130 km/h and we shan't go faster. That's what I'll do because I don't want to lose the car!"

The driver of a Maserati was more daring, saying Barcelona would be feasible "at this rate at 8 pm, if no police at 4 or 5 pm".

The website of the tour promises a "carnival atmosphere, wonderful camaraderie, epic scenery, wild nights" and "enough memories for a lifetime.

"Each destination has been chosen based on each city's reputation for style, glamour, motorsport heritage and party spirit!" it adds.