Lopez will become the first Argentine to race in F1 for nine years

Jose Maria Lopez has been confirmed as one of the drivers for new Formula 1 team US F1.

Lopez, a former Renault test driver, will make his debut at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on 14 March.

The 26-year-old, whose deal was announced by the country's president in Buenos Aires, will become the 24th Argentine to race in F1.

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

"Some time ago it seemed a bit crazy to think an Argentine driver could race again in F1 but with the effort and help of many people we are in that position."

Lopez has clocked up over 6,000 test kilometres and is the first Argentine to race in F1 since Gaston Mazzacane left Prost in 2001.

And he says the team's first priority must be to beat the three other new entrants this season.

"We must be ahead of the other new teams in the category, then go improving race by race," he added.

"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.

606: DEBATE Give your views on the new US F1 driver

"Objectives are important and you have to have them because they act as goals. You have to know where you stand and be self-critical since an ambitious objective can lead you into mistakes.

"On a personal level, the main thing is to get out of my car knowing I gave 100% effort, no matter what the result."

Lopez competed in the GP2 feeder series in 2006 against the likes of 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Virgin Racing's Timo Glock and finished in 10th place overall with three podium finishes.

US F1, who are based in Charlotte, North Carolina, had been tracking Lopez since 2003 and were impressed with how he went back to Argentine racing when he missed out on an F1 seat in 2007.

"Securing 'Pechito' Lopez for our debut season has been a goal of ours for a long time," said team boss Peter Windsor. "We're thrilled to have him on board as we return America to Formula 1.

"Lopez is a consummate professional and born leader. 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."

US F1 have not yet named their second driver for the new season.

The team are one four new teams to enter F1 and last month they rejected doubts voiced by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone about their participation in the sport.

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