Hispania Racing and Red Bull Racing have signed a collaboration deal today which allows Daniel Ricciardo to join the Spanish team as its official driver.

According to the Spanish team; "the current Formula 1 World Champion team has shown trust in Hispania Racing's project and has chosen Jose Ramon Carabante's team as a support for the formation and development of its driver".

Ricciardo, who has seen action in every opening practice session of the eight grand prix up to now, will finally see his dream come true and become a full F1 race-driver starting from next week's British Grand Prix. He joins Narain Karthikeyan and Vitantonio Liuzzi as official drivers for the Spanish Formula 1 team.

"This agreement is a reward for all the hard work Hispania Racing has shown since we started in Formula 1 last year," said Jose Ramón Carabante. "We're proud that the Formula 1 World Champion team has trusted us in their effort of developing their drivers. Let's hope that this is just the start of a fruitful relationship."

"I'm happy to welcome Daniel to the team," said Colin Kolles, "I'm glad the team managed to conclude this deal together with Dr. Helmut Marko who deserves my personal respect."

"It's a dream come true for me," added Ricciardo, "for the first time on an F1 starting grid! I had to pinch myself a couple of times to be sure that it's real. I'm excited and can hardly wait to drive at Silverstone. It's a new challenge, a new experience, a new team, but I'm ready and will give of my best in any event."