FEBRUARY 2, 2010

Force India signs Paul di Resta as third driver

The Force India team has announced today that it has signed Paul di Resta to be it's test and reserve driver for 2010, and will participate in a number of Friday practice sessions this season.

The 23-year-old Scottish driver tested for the team in December in Jerez, and the announcement was made at his backer's (Whyte & Mackay) headquarters in Glosgow.

Di Resta said, "I am ecstatic to finally get the chance to move into F1 at last. I'm pleased I can start my F1 career with Force India, a team that has a lot of potential. I see this move as taking me one step closer to achieving my dream of racing in F1 but I know I have a lot to learn in terms of the car and the tracks right now. I think this programme is a perfect way to prepare fully and be ready to go if and when the chance of a race seat comes. I hope this will be the start of a long-term future with Force India. With the support of all of the team, including Whyte & Mackay, I'm sure we will grow together."

Dr. Vijay Mallya said, "I would like to thank both Paul and JR Hildebrand for their commitment in the test in Jerez. Both worked very hard and were impressive in the test. We are very proud to have someone of Paul's calibre joining the team as his potential was clear in the test and he has the right attitude for making it in F1. The programme we have put together will allow him to get to grips with the car, the team and the environment and various pressures associated with F1 and we look forward to this becoming a very fruitful partnership."