Di Resta: F1 is where I want to be

Friday 24th October 2008

Paul Di Resta has admitted he is willing to accept a back-of-the-grid drive next season if it propels him into F1.

Di Resta, like Lewis Hamilton a product of the Mercedes Young Driver Development Programme, enjoyed a second two-day test with McLaren earlier this week.

The 22-year-old Scot is being hotly tipped to follow in Hamilton's footsteps sooner rather than later, and that could be as early as next year.

Although Heikki Kovalainen will again partner Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for next season, the Woking-based team are on the brink of announcing a tie-up with Force India.

Such a deal could pave the way for Di Resta to learn the ropes for a year before potentially switching to McLaren for the 2010 season.

"I certainly feel privileged and fortunate to be involved with two of the most respected names in world motor sport - Mercedes and McLaren," said Di Resta, speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News.

"My development with them has been excellent. But will I go to Formula One? Well that's certainly where I want to see myself eventually.

"As a young racing driver back in the days of my karting, that's always been my ultimate goal.

"You always want to reach the highest level in any profession, and in motor sport it's Formula One. That's where I want to be."

Asked whether he would accept a drive with a less competitive team, Di Resta added: "Yes, I don't see why not.

"I spent my first year in DTM last season driving a two-year-old car.

"But not only did I learn the circuits and how everything behind the scenes worked, I finished on the podium and led the championship at one stage.

"Now I'm on the brink of winning the title. I don't see why I shouldn't follow the same route into Formula One."

For now, though, Di Resta's sole ambition is to be crowed the DTM Champion after the final race of the season at Hockenheim on Sunday.

Di Resta trails Audi's Timo Scheider by two points, but knows a win will give him the title no matter how the German fares.

"I know there are lots and lots of people beginning to get a bit carried away with rumours, hints, guesses and pure speculation surrounding what I'm going to be doing next season," said Di Resta.

"But the only thing I'm thinking about is the final race in the German Touring Car Championship.

"I know I've been testing the McLaren car this week, but that's a completely different exercise to what is my sole priority at the moment, and that's winning the DTM championship for Mercedes.

"It may appear difficult for people to accept, but that's the straightforward truth.

"Next season is next season. I'll deal with that soon enough, but certainly not before the weekend."