11/12/2013
NEWS STORY
Mat Coch writes:
Paul di Resta looks set to return to German touring car racing after admitting his options in Formula One had all but dried up for 2014.
While giving evidence in the wrongful termination hearing brought about by former manager Anthony Hamilton, di Resta revealed his future looks bleak.
"It's looking likely that I will not be driving," confessed to Scot.
"(Force India) are speaking to me every two or three days," he explained. "They may be interested, they may not. I believe they are in talks with Sergio Perez."
After a strong debut season with Force India in 2011, and solid progress in 2012, di Resta was linked with a possible move to either Ferrari or McLaren ahead of the 2013 season. When neither drive materialised the 27-year-old's performances seemed to flounder, while public criticism of the team would not have endeared him to his paymasters.
It leaves di Resta in a vulnerable position, as last week Force India confirmed it had signed Nico Hulkenberg, though is yet to announce who will partner the German for 2014.
While di Resta admits there has been some contact with Sauber he also confessed it had not been especially serious, and with precious few others seats remaining it seems the Formula One door is closing on the man from Uphall.
Linked with a move to Indycar racing in the United States as replacement for his cousin, the retiring Dario Franchitti, di Resta looks more likely to return to DTM where he won the championship in 2010.
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