Romain Grosjean has been unveiled as the lead driver of new Formula One team Haas for their inaugural campaign in the sport in 2016.
The American outfit, who have a technical tie-up with Ferrari, made the announcement from their Kannapolis headquarters in North America on Tuesday.
Grosjean joins Haas, who will make their grand prix debut at the season opener in Australia next year, after four seasons at Lotus.
The newly-formed outfit were created by Gene Haas, co-owner of the Stewart-Haas NASCAR team, and while their base is in America they will also work out of Banbury in Oxfordshire.
"What Gene Haas and everyone at Haas F1 Team is building is impressive, and I'm very proud to be a part of it," Grosjean said.
"Formula One is incredibly competitive and the only way to succeed is by finding new ways of doing things. This is a new opportunity with a new team that is taking a very different approach to Formula One. I believe in their approach and they believe in me.
"While I am committed to giving my absolute best to my current team in these last five races, I am very excited for what the future holds at Haas F1 Team."
Grosjean had been widely tipped to join Haas and given their close partnership with Ferrari will have one eye on a seat at the Italian team in 2017.
The 29-year-old Frenchman, despite an error-prone start to his grand prix career, is recognised as one of the best drivers on the grid.
He has 10 podium finishes from 78 starts with his most recent coming at the Belgian Grand Prix where he finished third.
Haas said: "We wanted an experienced driver capable of developing our car and our race team into one that can score points and better itself each race and each season. We found him in Romain Grosjean.
"I've been involved in motorsports for a long time and learned early on the most crucial component is the driver. Romain has strong credentials and he will be an important asset to Haas F1 Team."
Team principal Guenther Steiner said: "In addition to being an experienced Formula One driver, Romain is very technically minded.
"He gives strong, specific feedback as to how the car performs. As we develop our car in testing and throughout the season, his insight will be crucial."
Grosjean leaves Lotus with the team's future still uncertain despite Renault, on Monday, signalling their intention to take over the cash-strapped team.
At last week's Japanese Grand Prix, Grosjean and his Lotus team were locked out of their hospitality tent after failing to pay last year's bill.
Source: PA
