Di Resta wants 2009 F1 debut

Paul di Resta

(GMM) Paul di Resta has set out his goal of lining up on the 2009 formula one grid.

The McLaren and Mercedes-backed Scot narrowly missed securing this year's DTM title, and has been linked with one of the Mercedes-powered Force India seats for 2009.

McLaren's Ron Dennis recently confirmed that the organization’s target is to bring the 22-year-old – who is managed by Lewis Hamilton's father Anthony – into formula one.

Another year in DTM, however, or perhaps a graduation to GP2, were believed the most likely scenarios for di Resta for next year, despite his recent McLaren tests.

But di Resta, whose cousin is Dario Franchitti, said: "What I want to do now is be on the formula one grid in 2009 to race head-to-head against Lewis.

"Lewis has made it, and so too has Vettel, who I beat comfortably to the Euro F3 championship in 2006.

"If they can do it, I certainly know I can too. Now we just have to see what happens for next season."