Alesi set to join AF Corse Ferrari

The test was Alesi's first outing for Ferrari since he drove for its Formula 1 team between 1991 and 1995, and was undertaken with a view to the Frenchman racing for AF Corse in the Le Mans Series and possibly also the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2010.

Team boss Amato Ferrari was delighted with Alesi's performance, which saw him complete 65 laps and get down to a best time of 1m15.80s.

"We didn't need to use a slot in the afternoon's programme thanks to Jean's exceptional performance in a test where we just had to adjust the driver's position in the car and refuel; no mechanical modifications were necessary," said Ferrari.

"That's why we are extremely optimistic as far as a possible involvement of Jean in our 2010 programme is concerned."

Alesi said he thoroughly enjoyed the test and that returning to Fiorano had been an emotional experience.

"I feel as if I was young again, like at the start of my career, when I still had to demonstrate my ability," said the 45-year-old "It was an unbelievable emotion to get back on the track and I immediately gained confidence with the car, really phenomenal."

Since retiring from F1, Alesi has competed in the DTM and more recently the Speedcar Series, where he was a multiple race winner before the championship folded earlier this year.