Mercedes-Benz looks to integrate Scottish driver Paul di Resta into Formula One programme

Britain is a step closer to having a new Formula One driver following a major reshuffle at Force India.
The Silverstone-based team has prematurely severed its ties with engine supplier Ferrari and is now expected to sign a contract with Mercedes-Benz.

As part of the deal, the German company's Scottish protégé Paul di Resta is expected to be confirmed as part of the line-up.

Di Resta, 22-year-old cousin of 2007 Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti, has garnered a fine reputation during the past few seasons. A successful kart racer, he switched to cars in 2002 and four years later succeeded Lewis Hamilton as winner of the Formula Three Euro Series. Since then he has driven for Mercedes in the Germany-based DTM touring car championship and this season finished second in the standings.

He has already tested for McLaren, Mercedes-Benz's principal F1 partner, and team chief Ron Dennis said: "Paul did a great job when we evaluated him on our simulator. We agreed to look at the possibility of integrating him within our F1 programme, but not necessarily with McLaren."

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug added: "Paul has done a brilliant job in the DTM. He has finished on the podium in 10 of his 20 races, despite sometimes driving a two-year-old car. It's a remarkable record for a young guy with no previous touring car experience. I think he's exceptional."

Although the eligibility or otherwise of customer cars is currently a hot topic on the F1 agenda, Force India is not expected to buy a complete chassis and engine package. Sources suggest it will use a car that incorporates a degree of McLaren-Mercedes DNA.

A significant number of backroom changes have also taken place. Team principal Colin Kolles and chief technical officer Mike Gascoyne have left Force India and a revised structure will be announced next week.
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