Jose Maria Lopez with US F1

In a press release published by the US team F1, its founder Peter Windsor explains: “Using the services of ?Pechito? Lopez for our first year has been a goal for a long time. We have followed his career since he dominated the Formula Championship Renault V6 in 2003 and we are happy to have him with us for the return of the Americas to F1. »

This announcement follows lengthy negotiations between the Charlotte-based team and Jose Maria Lopez's entourage. The South American pilot benefits from the support of many Argentine companies and the government of Cristina Kirchner.

According to local press, three quarters of the six to eight million dollars requested by US F1 comes from private capital and the last quarter is paid by the government to promote tourism in Argentina.

“Until recently, it was crazy to think that an Argentinian driver could be in F1,” comments Pechito. “Thanks to the support of many people, we are in this position today. I know that US F1 starts from scratch and approaches the discipline in a different, intelligent way. Our first objective is to be ahead of the other new teams and then improve race after race. »

Former member of Renault Driver Development, Jose Maria Lopez was a Renault test driver in 2006.