Paul di Resta in for 2011 (supposedly)

[maximilian]

I guess we have yet to hear a real official confirmation of this, but it appears that Paul di Resta will be racing a Force India next season.

If this is true, I think it's a very interesting move. I have been curious to see how well he can do if given a chance. Indicators were that the Scot has talent, and I am happy to see him race; I believe he will do well, and hope we'll see him go on to greater things.

[gloomyDAY]

Freakin' finally! I want DiResta to kick some ass in F1.

Force India just needs to axe was on their also-rans and we'll start seeing some results.

[VkmSpouge]

If it is confirmed then it is good news, Paul di Resta deserves a chance in F1.

[Sonic]

:up:

It would hardly be unexpected given the grooming that FI have put into Paul.

[I am evil Homer]

It's not 'confirmed' as such but I'd assume it's a done deal given that Sutil might be leaving and if he doesn't, Luizzi isn't a strong enough team mate so Paul would likely take his seat.

[CNR]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24092010/23/sutil-future-key-di-resta-deal.html




Paul di Resta could be poised to join the F1 elite on a full-time basis next season, but his chances of taking one of the two Force India (http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1/force-india.html) race seats could yet hinge on team-mate Adrian Sutil (http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1/adrian-sutil.html)'s interest in joining Renault (http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1/renault.html). While paddock insiders believe that the Scot is a strong rival for inconsistent Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi (http://www.motorsportforums.com/f1/drivers/2000000000000645.html), Sutil's consideration as a potential team-mate for Robert Kubica (http://www.motorsportforums.com/formula-1/robert-kubica.html) at Enstone could open the door for di Resta without Force India boss Vijay Mallya having to take any difficult decisions.

[maximilian]

At this point I see no reason for FI to keep Liuzzi on. Sure, he's grabbed a few points, but being outscored 45-13 by Sutil so far doesn't bode well, and his pace shows no real sign of improvement. Goodbye.

[I am evil Homer]

Yep and it's his second chance in F1. He's not a great prospect

[Ranger]

At this point I see no reason for FI to keep Liuzzi on. Sure, he's grabbed a few points, but being outscored 45-13 by Sutil so far doesn't bode well, and his pace shows no real sign of improvement. Goodbye.

Yep... he just isn't good enough.

Mind you I don't rate Sutil very highly either.

[Saint Devote]

There is the matter of Bernie publicly urging Mallya to hire Karun Chandok and Lewis Hamilton seconding the recommendation.

In 2011 is the Indian Grand Prix and another British driver does nothing for the business.

And a good cash incentive from the F1 vault would not be unwelcome - in addition to having Bernie onside - "come on Vijay, be reasonable, do it my way"

I remain sceptical that di Resta will join FI although he may well be a better selection than Liuzzi.

Sutil to Renault? Why would he when he is number 1 at FI and alongside Kubica, would be totally dominated. Renault is the team of Kubica and I doubt he will support any move that could drain resources away from his effort.

:-]

[Roamy]

yes that is the rumor - looks like AS will be at renault but probably Mercedes replacing the stone

[maximilian]

I can't really see Sutil moving to Renault in earnest. Renault has nothing to gain from him. Many people think Petrov did a good enough job to stay on, given that he brings millions and great Russian connections (I am sure Bernie would also put in a good word for him a la Chandhok), and as such if Renault is to replace him, it would have to be with either a real star like Raikkonen, or someone with an inside management connection (Gravity) to the team, such as Tung (dear god no!) or Grosjean (dear god yes!). Sutil doesn't fit the picture, he's got a better chance to go to Mercedes.

[jens]

Di Resta is potentially an exciting rookie, but it has to be admitted that he has a lot of hype to live up to like Hülkenberg had this season. He is expected to perform like a real deal almost instantly, a reputation, which has been built upon his impressive Euro F3 and DTM deeds. But in any case I'm really looking forward to his debut and I hope DTM hasn't really made him lose touch in open-wheel racing. For instance it has been argued that a DTM season in 1996 had a negative influence on Magnussen's driving, who failed to adapt to F1 properly.