Lotus Type 125 makes track debut

The Lotus Type 125 made its debut on the tracks this week when Jean Alesi and Lotus factory driver James Rossiter tested the F1-inspired customer car during two days and 200 km on the Italian track in Vallelunga.

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.”

Jean Alesi, who is Ambassador for the Lotus Type 125, 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.”

And Lotus factory driver James Rossiter is quoted: “The Type 125 is unique, it’s intense, it’s extreme and it’s very raw. I can honestly say that I think it’s the closest a ‘normal’ person can get to driving an F1 car. Vallelunga was great, we learnt a lot about the car there and I’m really looking forward to the next test in a few days, it will be really interesting to see how the car responds to the conditions of a very different track.”

The next test for the Type 125 will run next week (25th and 26th January) at Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi. The two test drivers will be joined by another one, who’s identity is still being kept a secret. Then, also the 15 interested buyers of the Type 125 will get their chance behind the wheel.