Pedro de la Rosa will return to the F1 grid next season, having signed a two-year deal with HRT.
The 40-year-old has been out of action since being dropped by Sauber before the end of last year's campaign.
Without a drive for 2011, he return to McLaren with whom he has been a test driver on and off since 2003.
However, the Spaniard is now relishing the prospect of returning to the F1 grid with a Spanish team.
"This is a very important step in my sporting career and one of the most meditated ones I've taken," said de la Rosa.
"I'm at a very good stage in terms of maturity and am prepared to take on this challenge, which motivates me hugely.
"When deciding on joining this project, for me there were three decisive factors: my desire to return to the active competition, the fact that HRT is a Spanish team and getting to know the people leading this project, Luis Pérez-Sala being amongst them.
"I'm here to work hard, with modesty and humility, accepting where we are now but keeping in mind where we want to be in 2 years time. For me, this is the time to put into practice everything that I have learnt over the years at international top level racing teams so that we can grow together.
"I am proud that Spain has an F1 team and that I have this opportunity to be its driver. I can only show my gratitude towards HRT for having trusted in me for this."
