Motorsport: Paul di Resta poised for step-up to Force India front line

Force India have called a press conference tomorrow regarding an announcement for one of their drivers.

Given the location is the Glasgow headquarters of whisky giant Whyte and Mackay, one of Force India's key sponsors, it appears certain Scot Di Resta will finally be confirmed, ending weeks of speculation.

The 24-year-old from Bathgate was appointed as test and reserve driver for Force India prior to the start of last season, and took part in several Friday morning practice sessions ahead of grands prix.

It proved to be a breakthrough year for Di Resta as he was also crowned DTM champion, pipping McLaren test driver Gary Paffett by just four points after the 10-round campaign.

At Force India, Di Resta is likely to replace Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi, who joined the team late in 2009 as replacement for Giancarlo Fisichella who had switched to Ferrari. Liuzzi finished last season 15th of 24 drivers with 21 points, 26 points and four places behind team-mate German Adrian Sutil, who is due to retain his seat with Force India for a fourth-consecutive year.

Meanwhile, the battle over the Lotus naming rights has been scheduled for a full trial.

At a summary judgment hearing in the High Court yesterday, Mr Justice Peter Smith urged both parties - Group Lotus and 1Malaysia Racing Team, otherwise known as Team Lotus - to attempt to settle the matter out of court. If no resolution is reached a case will then be heard on 21 March.