Di Resta could have a bright future in F1

Oct 16 2008 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian speedster Paul Di Resta could be set to follow in the tyreprints of Lewis Hamilton into Formula One racing.

Recently the 22-year-old has been handed some test drives for Formula One team McLaren after a sizzling season in German Touring Car championship DTM.

The Bathgate man sits in second spot in the drivers table which has brought him to the attention of McLaren-Mercedes boss Ron Dennis.

Di Resta, who races for Mercedes, heads to the final round of competition in Hockenheim at the end of this month with a realistic chance of being crowned champion.

He has never hidden his ambition of competing in Formula One and now Dennis has handed Di Resta, the cousin of US Indy Car champion Dario Franchitti, test drives for McLaren.

Dennis said: “We have a policy of trying to promote young drivers into Formula One and Paul did a great job when he was evaluated in our simulator a few months ago.

“It was agreed that, as and when he gets over the DTM season, we would evaluate the possibility of integrating him into Formula One.”

Mercedes motorsport chief Norbert Haug believes Di Resta has all the ingredients required to follow Hamilton into F1.

But the team boss conceded next season might be too soon for the talented driver.

Haug said: “The options for Paul next year are either to stay in DTM or go into GP2 but nothing is decided.

“We need to look and see what the next steps are.

“I think he is an exceptional guy but you never know. You need to find out and then go from there.”

However, despite all the attention Di Resta is keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground.

He said: “My commitment is totally focused on ensuring I win the DTM title for Mercedes-Benz this season.

“The test in the F1 McLaren is merely a continuation of the excellent relationship I have with both Mercedes and McLaren and people shouldn’t read too much into it.”