F1 – Di Resta out at Force India

Paul di Resta looks to be out of a drive for the 2014 Formula One season after Force India yesterday confirmed the signing of Sergio Perez.

One seat had already been filled, with German Nico Hülkenberg returning to the team where he drove for a year before leaving for Sauber. Sergio Perez has now been confirmed to have secured the second seat, the Mexican bringing considerable sponsorship from Telmex as well as finishing 11th in the 2013 World Drivers’ Championship – two points behind Hülkenberg and one ahead of di Resta.

Di Resta took to Twitter yesterday to confirm the news and thank the team:- “Just want to take this opportunity to thank @clubforce for 4 great years. As a team we’ve come a long way in our time together.

“But it’s now time for a new challenge for me in the next phase of my career and I wish them all the best for the future #beenapleasure”

Speaking at the High Court in London on Tuesday, where he was giving evidence in an action against him by former manager Anthony Hamilton for wrongful termination of a contract, di Resta admitted that Perez was likely to take his place. “It’s looking likely that I will not be driving. The only team that really has any possibility is Sauber, but there has been nothing other than a chat with my manager.”

Speculation has surrounded di Resta’s future if indeed he is left without an F1 seat for 2014, with IndyCar and DTM being two possibilities for the Scot. Di Resta confirmed that the German touring car series was an option, adding that he is speaking to Mercedes-Benz.