The German star had won global gold in the two-man for five consecutive editions - 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2019.

The efforts had seen him draw level with Italy's Eugenio Monti, who achieved the feat between 1957 and 1961.

Friedrich’s attempt to go clear of Monti was boosted on the opening day of competition, as he finished nearly a second ahead of his nearest rivals with team-mate Thorsten Margis.

The lead was improved in the third heat of the competition today, with Friedrich and Margis posting the fastest time by clocking 55.98 seconds.

Friedrich and Margis sealed victory in fine fashion, with a fourth run of 56.37 ensuring the duo ended with the fastest run in each of the four heats, and giving them an overall time of 3min 40.44sec.

“We have spent two and a half years working towards this moment,” said Friedrich.

“Crazy, we made it.

“To have got the record is really incredible.

“Especially to do it here in Altenberg with all our fans and friends.”

Johannes Lochner and Christopher Weber improved from their third place position overnight to win the silver medal.

The German crew finished 1.65 seconds behind the winners on 3:42.09.

The podium was rounded off by Latvia’s Oskars Kibermanis and Matiss Miknis, who finished on 3:42.23.

There will now be a three-day break at the World Championships with competition resuming on Thursday (February 27) with the first runs of the men’s skeleton event.

The men’s event will conclude the following day, with the women’s skeleton gold medal awarded on February 29.

Friedrich's next target is winning the four-man bobsleigh world title on March 1.