The 23-year old will therefore become the team's 3rd driver for the 2010 edition of the Formula One championship, being scheduled to attend all grand prix weekends throughout the next season. Additionally, the team also confirmed that Di Resta will drive the VJM03 during a number of Friday practice sessions in order to learn the current F1 tracks.
That means he'll probably be offered a race seat with Force India in 2011, with the upcoming season being a learning one for Di Resta. Given the in-season testing ban in Formula One, his Friday programme would ensure he won't debut in F1 next year unprepaired.
“I am ecstatic to finally get the chance to move into F1 at last. I'm pleased I can start my F1 career with Force India, a team that has a lot of potential. I see this move as taking me one step closer to achieving my dream of racing in F1 but I know I have a lot to learn in terms of the car and the tracks right now. I think this programme is a perfect way to prepare fully and be ready to go if and when the chance of a race seat comes,” said Paul di Resta.
“We are very proud to have someone of Paul's calibre joining the team as his potential was clear in the test and he has the right attitude for making it in F1. The programme we have put together will allow him to get to grips with the car, the team and the environment and various pressures associated with F1 and we look forward to this becoming a very fruitful partnership,” added the team's boss Vijay Mallya.
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