There were some press comments regarding the ability of the US F1 Team to have a car ready for the 2010 races. With the announcement of a driver, looks like they are still meeting their time schedule, having also obtained FIA & F1 permission to test at a US track.
" U.S. F1 confirms former Renault test driver José María López for 2010
01/25/10, 9:11 pm et"
" The U.S. F1 team has signed former Renault test driver José María López as one of its drivers for this season."
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http://www.autoweek.com/article/20100125/F1/100129951