London, Dec 14 (DPA) The Lotus Formula One team confirmed Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen as its driver line-up Monday for the 2010 season.
Kovalainen moves from McLaren following the arrival of world champion Jenson Button while Trulli comes from Toyota, which announced its withdrawal from the sport at the end of the 2009

season.

Both drivers have agreed three-year deals with Malaysian Fairuz Fauzy named as the team’s test and reserve driver.

“It is a privilege for me to sign for the new Lotus F1 Racing team,” said the 35-year-old Trulli. I have been impressed by the long-term vision of the team management and technical staff.”

Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes said he was delighted to have secured the services of both drivers.

“Trulli will bring us a lot of experience to develop the team, and Heikki is a young driver but has phenomenal experience so I think we have two fantastic drivers with Fairuz as well,” said the budget airline AirAsia entrepreneur.

“We are not setting any big targets, we want to at least be the best of the new teams.”

Kovalainen, meanwhile, said he was looking forward to his fourth F1 season.

“I believe that appointing two drivers with the experience Jarno and I have shows how determined the team is to go racing in a truly competitive way, and our pairing sends out a very strong message to our competitors,” said the 28-year-old Finn.

Lotus, who competed in F1 from 1958 to 1994, are one of five new teams in next season’s championship.