The event isn’t subject to the Formula 1 testing restrictions that are in force during the season, since it was part of the young-driver support program at McLaren Mercedes.
According to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Director Norbert Haug, the test represents a reward for di Resta’s performances delivered in the DTM season to date - since he is currently second in the DTM Drivers' Championship. He also mentioned it should also ad an extra dose of motivation for the DTM season finale at Hockenheim, where di Resta will have the chance of repeating the feat he delivered in 2006, by becoming the Formula 3 Euro Series champion.
”It’s an essential component of the Mercedes-Benz motorsport programme to not only demand a lot of young racing drivers but also promote them,” said Haug. “This applied to Lewis Hamilton and now we are doing the same for Paul di Resta. Therefore, Paul will be provided - in addition to a GP2 test - several opportunities to test at the wheel of our Formula 1 car.” Nonetheless, Haug added: “This definitely shouldn’t be regarded as a hint that Paul is going to leave DTM.”
In 2005, Paul di Resta secured the "McLaren Autosport BRDC Award" with a first Formula 1 test in November 2007 also representing a reward for this success. “Driving a Formula 1 car feels just incredible. It was the most impressive experience I’ve made in my career,” he said after this test. Furthermore, a GP2 test di Resta carried eleven days ago demonstrates where the young talent could continue his career next year. Mercedes-Benz officials haven't released any track times related to any of the testing sessions.
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