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US F1 confirms Jose Maria Lopez for debut season

Jose Maria Lopez has officially been announced as US F1's first driver for 2010 © Sutton Images

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US F1 has confirmed Jose Maria "Pechito" Lopez as its first driver for this season.

Lopez, a former Renault tester and GP2 driver, joins the team with considerable sponsorship from his native Argentina and even the support of the government.

"Securing 'Pechito' Lopez for our debut season has been a goal of ours for a long time," said US F1 team executive vice president Peter Windsor. "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."

Despite his success in 2003, he has not raced a single-seater since 2006. After a less than successful year in the GP2 championship, he returned to Argentina and dominated the domestic touring car championship. His lack of recent top-level race experience does not seem to bother Windsor.

"Lopez is a consummate professional and born leader," Windsor said. "The most revealing thing about his character was how he handled the disappointment of not racing for Renault after three years of testing with them in F1. Instead of moping around and feeling sorry for himself, he returned to Argentina and totally dominated the local scene, winning 38 races and three championships. He became a major star as a result and, in turn, the Argentine nation - a country where F1 is second only to soccer - has got behind him."

As proof of his country's backing, the signing was announced by Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner at government house in Buenos Aires.

"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," said the president.

"This is a truly memorable day for me, my family and the people of Argentina," said Lopez. "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."

The team will begin testing its new car in America next month after receiving special dispensation from the FIA to test outside Europe.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.