Lopez criticises Renault for ignoring him

Argentinean Lopez has been part of Renault's Driver Development programme since 2003, and the 23-year-old has raced in the GP2 series for the last two seasons.

Last Wednesday, however, Renault announced GP2 rival Nelson Piquet Jr and fellow Brazilian Ricardo Zonta as their test drivers for the 2007 season.

Piquet is still fighting for this year's GP2 title, having scored five race wins, while Lopez, who races with the Super Nova team, is yet to taste victory this year and is eighth in the standings.

The Argentine said he expected to be in Formula One next year, and added that he found out about Piquet and Zonta "through an Internet site".

"I did a lot of things for them to consider me (for their line-up)," Lopez was quoted as saying by Marca newspaper.

"What Renault has done, I think, shows a lack of respect. Now, I'll have to see what plans they have for me for the future. Maybe there's a chance they will transfer me to another team for a couple of years.

"I wanted to be in Formula One in 2007. Racing in GP2 for another year will do me no good."