France's Romain Grosjean named 1st driver for American-led Haas F1 team

Romain Grosjean of Lotus at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, Spain, on Feb. 22, 2015. (AP / Manu Fernandez)

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Romain Grosjean has been named the first driver for Haas F1.

The 29-year-old Frenchman has been with Lotus for the last five years. He has competed in 78 Formula One races and has 10 podium finishes.

Grosjean's first time driving for Haas will be during the March 1-4 preseason test at Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. A second test will be held March 15-18 at Barcelona, then the new F1 team created by Gene Haas will make its official debut at the Australian Grand Prix on April 3.

Haas is an American businessman and co-owner of NASCAR's Stewart-Haas Racing. He's entering F1 to take his CNC machine tool manufacturing company global.

Haas F1 will be the first American-led Formula One team since 1986.