di Resta poised for third driver role at Williams

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di Resta poised for third driver role at Williams - Paul di Resta looks set to return to Formula One as the test and reserve driver for Williams, it has been reported.

According to the BBC, the Scot will attend “most” races, with the deal is set to be announced in the “coming days”, in the build-up to next weekend's season opening Australian Grand Prix.

Di Resta, who made his race debut with Force India in 2011, after winning the DTM Championship in 2010, competed in F1 for three seasons, scoring 121 points – his best finishes, two fourth places. After being dropped by Force India in 2013, he returned to the DTM and will again compete in the German tin-top series in 2016, dovetailing it – if the reports are correct - with his new role with Williams.

Di Resta's former Force India team-mate Adrian Sutil acted as Williams' third driver last season. Sutil was appointed when Valtteri Bottas injured his back in Australia. Sutil never got to race, however, as Bottas recovered in time to compete in the next grand prix alongside Felipe Massa.

Di Resta's appointment looks set to strengthen Williams' reserve line-up, which already includes GP2 pilot Alex Lynn and European Formula Three man Lance Stroll, both under contract as development drivers.
by Rob Wilkins