USF1 teams with new tech partner.

The nascent Team USF1 operation has inked a deal that will bring added expertise to the construction of its first-ever Formula One machine in time for the 2010 season.

The Advanced Composites Group, a seasoned F1 supplier, revealed the long-term agreement with the US-centric team, as the Ken Anderson/Peter Windsor-led equipe races against time to make the grid in Bahrain next March.

"USF1 is pleased to announce ACG as a technical partner in the design and construction of our 2010 car," Anderson commented, "The team faces a tremendous challenge to design and produce the first American-based F1 car in more than 40 years, and ACG's composites expertise will be critical for us to meet our goals and expectations in 2010 and beyond."

ACG's heritage in the category extends back many years and has established it at the forefront of the motorsport industry.

"There is an exciting time of change in F1 racing and this has created the opportunity for new teams to enter the grid," president Adrian Potts pointed out, "USF1 is the sole American entry, and we are proud to support them from our Tulsa facility.

"I'm confident that the new team has signed up with the very best support and service in the industry, and we will demonstrate that their confidence in us is well placed."

USF1 is now the only team without at least one confirmed driver for the 2010 season, following fellow newcomers Lotus and Virgin having unveiled their complete line-ups in the past week. Several drivers have been linked to the American outfit, which was determined to field one of its own in 2010, but none has so far agreed terms. Atlantic Championship runner-up Jonathan Summerton looks likely to head to Europe but on a lower rung of the ladder, leaving USF1 facing the possibility of running non-Americans in its debut season. Former Renault development scheme driver Jose Maria Lopez has emerged as the most likely contender, while 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve continues to be mentioned as an outside possibility.