The rumors suggesting such a move had surfaced in the media since last month. However, the team and the driver's management had to work out the details of the contract – well, to be more precise, the amount of sponsorship money that the Argentine driver will bring to the team for the 2010 campaign – before finally inking the one-year agreement.
According to several sources in the American continent, the 26-year old driver benefits from important finance from several companies in his home country Argentina, while also having strong government backing. And that emerged after the official announcement was made in the Casa Rosada (Government House) in Buenos Aires on the afternoon of January 25.
He was initially known to the European public through his past campaigns in the GP2 Series, while also his test driving commitments with Renault F1 Team. However, having lacked the sponsorship to continue in Formula One's feeders series in recent years, Lopez returned to his native Argentina to continue his career in single-seaters.
“Securing 'Pechito' Lopez for our debut season has been a goal of ours for a long time. We've been following his career since he dominated the Renault V6 Championship in 2003 and we're thrilled to have him on board as we return America to Formula One. Lopez is a consummate professional and born leader,” US F1 sporting director Peter Windsor was quoted as saying, when announcing the Argentine driver for his team's 2010 lineup.
“This is a truly memorable day for me, my family and the people of Argentina. I have been working towards this day for much of my life and I can't thank Peter and Ken (Anderson) enough for this opportunity. Of course a new F1 team faces many challenges but our goal is to improve with each race and build a foundation that will eventually see this team competing for wins and championships,” said Lopez.
“The Argentine government is very happy to get behind this exciting new project and we wish Jose Maria and the team all the best for the 2010 season,” added the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.
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