Lotus' F1 inspired customer race car, the Type 125, had its first official run out at the Italian track earlier this week as Jean Alesi and Lotus factory driver James Rossiter completed over 200km during the two day test.

Commenting on the test, Lotus' Director of Motorsport Operations, Miodrag Kotur said: 'We're very happy with the initial performance of the car, there are still some things that we want to improve on but that's natural at this stage and that's exactly why we test. Between them Jean Alesi and James Rossiter have an incredible wealth of experience and they put this to good use in Vallelunga.'

Lotus Type 125 Ambassador Jean Alesi said: 'Testing is always a big challenge, it's a different kind of pressure to racing but you still can't relax for a second. I enjoyed my first outing in the car, it's great to be involved at such a crucial stage in the cars' development, I really feel like I can help to make this car as fun to drive as possible.'

Next, the Type 125 will test at Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi's F1 track, where Alesi and Rossiter will be joined by a very special 'yet-to-be-announced' test driver before 15 potential buyers get their chance behind the wheel.