Zoom di Resta getting a chance with McLaren Mercedes

Paul di Resta, a Scottish driver who currently races in Germany's DTM series for Mercedes-Benz, is this week at the wheel of McLaren's F1 car.

It is the first instalment of no fewer than four test days he will enjoy for the Woking-based squad in October, according to motorsport-magazin.com.

On Tuesday and Wednesday the 22-year-old is in action at Silverstone, and he will reprise the effort with two more days later this month.

While F1 teams' official in-season testing programme has ended, di Resta's tests are possible due to the 2008 test agreement, whereby inexperienced youngsters are allowed mileage outside the restrictions of the accord.

“The McLaren Mercedes team is currently planning to employ the services of Paul di Resta for four days’ testing at Silverstone during October," a spokesman told Racing-Live.com.

"He has been brought in as part of the Young Driver programme operated by all Formula One teams during 2008. The scheme encourages the assessment of young talent by providing them with four days’ of valuable track time. It also frees-up teams to run without the additional burdens of the mileage and tyre restrictions imposed on regular tests throughout the year. "

The former F3 Euroseries champion's chances of moving into F1 recently took another step forward, when he tested at Paul Ricard for leading GP2 team ART.

"It is difficult for a driver to accept that he has no chance to get into F1 - and I hope I don’t have to," he told The Sun newspaper.

"My job is just to do the best I can. I am trying my hardest and hopefully they will come knocking on the door or give me a phone call.

"But for now it is up to me to concentrate on the DTM. The powers-that-be at Mercedes have looked after me and I am sure they will continue to look after me.

"We just have to see what the outcome of it all will be. I just need to see what the right chance is to get there and make sure it is a good opportunity," di Resta said.

Source: GMM
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