Hispania Racing signs Vitantonio Liuzzi for 2011

The Italian was released by Force India at the end of the 2010 Formula One season, and his appointment at Hispania means that all 11 teams have confirmed their drivers for the 2011 season. Liuzzi, who tested for Hispania in Barcelona last month, joins Indian driver Narain Karthikeyan as Hispania's two drivers for 2011.

Liuzzi said, "I am really happy to have signed this agreement with Hispania Racing. I never lost hope to be in Formula One as I knew 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. I am extremely grateful to José Ramon Carabante and to Colin Kolles for giving me such an opportunity".

Colin Kolles, Hispania Racing's Team Principal, added, "I have known Tonio for many years as he raced with me in lower categories. 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 extend developing and moving a back grid car to the front. I had the pleasure of working with him and I am very happy and proud to have him racing with Hispania Racing."

Hispania also announced that it will unveil its F111 Formula One car for the 2011 season on Friday in Barcelona, with the team, including Liuzzi and Karthikeyan, available for press interviews with the media ahead of testing.