Lopez to Sign US F1 Deal Soon

Every new team announced at least one driver for their 2010 Formula One Championship lineup – well, only Lotus F1 fall out of that equation, but they recently announced they have signed a new driver for next season, only they can't disclose his name – except for US Grand Prix Engineering. And that's a fact.

However, in an effort to bring down rumors about their potential quit of F1 operations, the team recently hinted that they've already completed a sign-in for the 2010 season. We're talking bout 26-year-old former GP2 driver Jose Maria Lopez.

Talking to the Argentine driver's official site, US F1 co-owner Peter Windsor admitted that negotiations are still ongoing but there are some high chances we'll see Lopez in the US F1-prepared car next year. An official announce on the matter is expected to surface in the media in due time.

“Until we sign the contract we can't reveal any details about the negotiations. I can say I have a profound respect for Jose Maria as a driver and a person. He would be a great driver for out team because he brings knowledge and mileage in an F1 car, apart from the extra motivation because he never had the chance to race and show his skill,” said Windsor.

“I would be very happy if he raced with us next year. We would like to sign the contract as soon as possible,” added the British official.

Apparently, the next thing to be done is Lopez' securing the necessary amount of sponsorship money to bring in at Charlotte. According to Lopez' father, the Argentine driver is currently missing about 20 percent of the needed budget, projected to be around $8 million.