Moto GP star and ex-250CC World Champion Marco Melandri will be joining Elise Trophy competitors in Lotus Cup Italy and Lotus Cup Europe when they combine for what is set to be one of the highlights of the 2009 Lotus racing season.

Melandri, who finished 2nd in Moto GP in 2005 behind Valentino Rossi, will be racing an Exige Cup. He achieved a podium at the French Moto GP earlier this season with 2nd place and has consistently finished in the top ten this year. Lotus Cup Europe & Lotus Cup Italy will be supporting World Touring Cars and the all new Formula 2 Championship at Imola, the former home of the San Marino Grand Prix, 18th-20th September.