José María López has said that he came to an agreement with USF1 on Friday and that, once the necessary sponsorship budget is in place, he will be racing for the team in 2010. Having visited the outfit’s Charlotte facility, the Argentine must now find a number of sponsors for the new team.

López is a former GP2 and Renault F1 test driver. According to USF1’s Peter Windsor, Sporting Director for the team, his FIA Superlicense shouldn’t be an issue. “I don’t think his license will be a problem with the many miles he has covered as Renault test driver,” Windsor explained.

“We would like to sign a contract as soon as possible. It is important for both team and driver to sign a driver as early as possible but, as long as we have not signed a deal, it would be inappropriate to say more.”