Argentine driver Jose Maria Lopez says he is poised to sign with the USF1 Formula One team for its inaugural 2010 season, pending completion of a sponsorship package.

Both driver and team said a deal was imminent for him to become the first signed driver for its debut season.

The 26-year-old Lopez is a former Renault F1 test driver and raced in Europe in Formula 3000 and GP2. He then returned to touring car racing in Argentina, winning the past two TC2000 championships.