Mercedes Boss Supports Di Resta for 2011 Drive

British racer Paul di Resta has just won his second consecutive race of the 2010 DTM season and made an important step in his battle for a first DTM title, yet his main focus remains making the transition to Formula One racing as soon as possible. And, according to Mercedes motor sport director Norbert Haug, there's a high chance of that happening from as early as next season.

While enjoying a fruitful time in the DTM, Di Resta is also driving Force India's VJM03 during the Friday practice sessions in F1 every once in a while. And his good form in recent months has convinced Haug that there is definitely room for the young Scott inside the Great Circus.

“I think his chances for a formula one seat are good. Of course I hope he stays with us but I also know he has to take the opportunity when it arises. I would absolutely support him in that,” said Haug in a recent interview with racexpress.nl, shortly after Di Resta's successful outing at Oschersleben, over the weekend.

As said, Di Resta is currently test and reserve driver for Force India in the Formula One championship, where he hopes to land a driving spot for the 2011 series. For the time being, neither of the two Force Indian race drivers – Adrian Sutil or Vitantonio Liuzzi – have been confirmed for the season to come, so there are plenty of reasons for hope in what concerns the 24-year old driver.

His promotion to race driver might also be eased by German carmaker Mercedes-Benz, for whom Di Resta has raced ever since he set foot in the DTM. Mercedes currently supplies power to Force India's F1 single-seaters and might use the opportunity to support their protege for a racing seat with the Indian team in 2011, especially since Liuzzi seems out of form for the moment.