Formula 1: Di Resta gets chance to win 2010 drive

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 08:35

BATHGATE'S Paul Di Resta will take another significant step to joining world champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton on the 2010 Formula One grid when he undertakes a three-day test with Force India in Spain next week, writes JIM McGILL.

The 23-year-old Scot, a member of the Mercedes-Benz Young Driver Development Programme and who has raced for the German manufacturer in the DTM saloon car class for the past three seasons, can't wait to grab the chance.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me," Di Resta, who impressed during four days of testing with McLaren towards the end of last season as he helped develop the car which took Hamilton to the world title, admitted.

Both McLaren and Force India F1 cars are powered by Mercedes engines. "This is a very realistic opportunity to establish a solid, long term working relationship with Force India which I hope will develop over the coming years.

"It's another important step towards fulfilling my dream."

Di Resta beat current Red Bull F1 grand prix winner Sebastian Vettel to the 2006 European Formula 3 Championship and has finished second and third in DTM in the past two years.

Force India have yet to confirm their driver line-up for 2010.