Formula E’s new electric single-seater completed a successful testing debut at the La Ferte Gaucher circuit in France.

The Spark-Renault SRT_01E was driven by Lucas di Grassi, who will be in charge of carrying out early testing and development duties.

Di Grassi completed around 40 laps of the circuit over two days in a car fitted with 50kw battery, which is a quarter of the maximum 200kw power it will have when it starts racing.

“It is a great feeling to be driving the Formula E car for the first time,” said di Grassi.

“I can assure all the drivers will have a lot of fun with this car – even with just a quarter of the power it has quite a lot of grip and the electric motor produces huge torque.”

Series boss Alejandro Agag added: “The first test was a historic moment for the championship and we’re delighted with how it has gone.

“We think teams, drivers and fans will love the way it looks and sounds.

“Now Frederic [Vasseur, President of Spark Racing Technology] and his team, together with Lucas, will begin to put mileage on the car, focusing on durability.

“It’s a very exciting development and we can’t wait for that first race in Beijing in September 2014 to see all 20 cars lined-up on the grid.”

The Formula E championship is scheduled to kick off in September 2014.