The new equipment at Revive got the ultimate test drive – from a Formula 1 racing driver.

Marco SØrensen is a test driver for Lotus and he joined members at the official launch of the fitness suite.

The gym has been completely refurbished with a £100,000 makeover, and is the first in the area to offer some of the very latest hi-tech equipment.

Jo Burton, Revive Leisure Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome Marco to our fitness suite, and he was extremely impressed with the quality of the equipment we now have available. We carried out extensive research to ensure we found the very best machines for our members, and everyone who has tried them so far has agreed they really are state-of-the-art.”

The fitness suite now offers Matrix Fitness CV equipment which is designed to create a multi-sensory experience, with touch-screen displays, and iPod and Nike+ compatibility.

Matrix Fitness is an official supplier to  the Lotus racing team, and Marco, who has been involved in motorsport since the age of 3, happily agreed to help Southwater Event Group Chief Executive Tom Gray with the new-look gym’s official opening ceremony.

Tom said: “To have a Formula 1 test driver put our equipment through its paces was a real thrill, and Marco was full of praise for the gym following its transformation. We’re looking forward to more members joining our club and trying out this whole new fitness experience for themselves.”