Vitantonio Liuzzi has secured the final seat for the forthcoming Formula One season and will drive for Hispania Racing.
Experienced Italian completes 2011 grid
Vitantonio Liuzzi has secured the final seat for the forthcoming Formula One season and will drive for Hispania Racing.
The 29-year-old Italian was dropped by Force India in December despite having a year left to run on his contract.
But the former Red Bull and Toro Rosso driver will now partner Narain Karthikeyan in Hispania's second season in F1.
Liuzzi is expected to endure a tough campaign in 2011 with the backmarkers, who have struggled financially since moving into the sport, but the Apulia-born racer is thrilled to have a place on the grid.
"I am really happy to have signed this agreement with Hispania Racing," he said.
"I never lost hope to be in Formula One as I know I have the experience and the right attributes for a young and ambitious team.
"I face a new challenge now and this excites me. I also face a lot of hard work in guiding Hispania Racing through the development of our new car."
Professional
HRT team principal Colin Kolles believes Liuzzi's appointment affords the team the experience they need as they seek to continue improving and developing.
"I have known Tonio for many years as he raced with me in lower categories," said Kolles.
"He is a very professional driver who will bring a lot of benefits to the team. I am convinced about his skills to develop a car and his speed.
"He has shown this in the past, having contributed to a large extent in developing and moving a back-of-the-grid car to the front."
Hispania have revealed that their latest challenger, the F111, will finally be unveiled on Friday.
That means Liuzzi will have two days of track time at this week's final test at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya prior to heading to Melbourne for the season-opening grand prix in Australia on March 27.
