Di Resta still set on F1

Di Resta: F1 still a possibility

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Paul di Resta is refusing to give up on his hopes of landing a Formula One race seat in 2009.

The Scot tested for McLaren Mercedes last year and rumours of a move into the top flight gained momentum when they announced a technical partnership with the Force India team late last year.

In the event, Force India decided to stick with Adrian Sutil and Giancarlo Fisichella for the upcoming season. However, di Resta has insisted he has not given up hope of making the starting grid.

"I know there's been a lot of speculation recently regarding where I'm going to be racing next year, and to be honest there's still a bit of talking to be done before I'll be able to confirm with you exactly what I'm going to be doing," the 22-year-old wrote on his personal website.

"One thing which is important is Formula One remains a possibility.

"I'm certainly not giving up on my dream of being on the grand prix grid for the opening race of 2009, but if it doesn't happen this year I'm confident it will happen soon afterwards."

More than happy

Di Resta, who finished second in the German-based DTM touring car series in 2008, added that he was more than happy with his stint as a McLaren test driver.

"I've had a stunning 2008 and it's important my development continues through next year," he said.

"Driving the McLaren-Mercedes in the two test sessions was a fantastic experience.

"But it was also a chance for me to show the guys at McLaren and Mercedes exactly what I'm capable of doing.

"I've said before that I came away from those tests more than satisfied with what I had achieved and boosted by the feedback I got from the test team and the technicians.

"I felt very comfortable in the Formula One environment and that's definitely where I want to be."