USF1 driver Lopez prepares for 2010

Feb.15 (GMM) Despite persistent rumours about the health of the American team, Jose Maria Lopez is pressing ahead with his preparations to debut with USF1 in 2010.

Little official news has been heard about the new Charlotte based outfit since the Argentine driver was confirmed at the end of January.

But Lopez, 26, has been in Austria at Erwin Gollner’s high performance centre doing physical training, according to the Spanish-language newspapers Marca and El Diario de Hoy.

His next reported move is to travel to Charlotte this week.

“I’ve finished this work in Austria that has really helped me to get physically fit faster than I thought,” said Lopez.

“Now I think I’m ready physically to face the season without major problems.”

It was also reported that USF1 and the Automovil Club Argentino are still working to obtain a mandatory FIA super license for Lopez.