Di Resta rates F1 chances as slim

The Scotsman, who was a DTM title contender last season, has been linked with a test deal at McLaren and a race seat at Force India over the past few months. He had several tests for McLaren at the end of last year.

Although Force India have now confirmed their line-up, and new F1 testing restrictions will severely limit the chances for young drivers to get cockpit time, di Resta is still holding out hope of getting more grand prix opportunities.

"There is a very slim chance that things can happen," di Resta told autosport.com at the Autosport International Show.

"The main thing is I am involved with the McLaren-Mercedes family and there are different options in there. We are just pushing on to see what we can get to drive, who knows what it will bring in 2009."

It is understood that McLaren and Mercedes are weighing up what to do with di Resta for 2009. He could be handed a test deal, or could be placed in either DTM or GP2 as part of a thorough preparation for an F1 role in 2010.

When asked about what he would prefer, di Resta said: "For sure I know what I want to do, and I am sure people have their favourite options. But you have to be realistic and take the best opportunity when it comes."

Di Resta said he was simply happy to have become involved with both McLaren and Mercedes, after a stellar season in DTM.

"It is definitely great," he explained. "I have come on a tremendous amount. I cannot believe how much I have developed and how much things have changed in the last year. But, at the end of the day I am only doing my job and it is a job I love doing.

"For sure doing the stuff for McLaren is great. They are a fantastic group to be involved in and, at the end of the day, I am just trying to prove to them that given the chance I can do a good job."