Di Resta is in talks with Force India

Paul di Resta claims to be close to a deal to become Force India’s reserve driver this season. He impressed the team during a test at the end of last year. The Scotsman, who excelled during the ‘young driver’ tests in Jerez last December, says he is 90% sure to reach an agreement to break into Formula 1.

« Things are moving very quickly, » di Resta confided at the Autosport International Show last weekend. Since the test, we have been in talks and I would say we are about 90% through the negotiations. We are in the final stages to finalize the program they have set for themselves. I hope we can build a very long and strong relationship as a tester for Force India. »

Paul di Resta truly hopes for this coveted seat to prove that he deserves a more official spot in 2011: « Both drivers, Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi, did a very good job last year. It’s a fight to get a seat, and I’m going to try to fight for one. I’m going to try to prove to Force India that I am capable of getting into this car and doing the same work, if not better. »

Speaking about his full-scale test at Jerez last year, di Resta added: « We just experienced a very difficult year in DTM. We got off to a very bad start but then, over the course of the year, we started talking with Force India. And fortunately, they gave me an opportunity to go to Jerez and do three half-days in the car. »

« It was a great opportunity that I had been waiting for. It was a real chance to drive the car and it was, moreover, very productive. Everyone was satisfied and we built a real relationship with Force India. »