Paul di Resta has admitted that a switch to IndyCar could be on the cards if he cannot find a Formula 1 drive next season.
The Force India driver has had a difficult third year with the team. It started with promising run of six consecutive points finishes between China and the British Grand Prix, including fourth place in Bahrain. However, the second half of the year has proved to be a different story.
Pirelli's mid-season tyre change affected the Silverstone-based outfit's form. However, some rather lacklustre performances in the final half of the season has subsequently put him at risk of losing his seat for 2014.
Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez, to name just a few, are both available next season and the team's reserve driver James Calado has put in some impressive performances in first practice sessions this year.
With his future at the team looking uncertain, di Resta has admitted that a return to DTM or a switch to the IndyCar series are possible options. The Scottish driver's cousin Dario Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar champion, recently announced his retirement from motorsport and it is thought that the 27-year-old could be a viable replacement.
He was open to the idea when asked about his chances by The Guardian: "I built a good reputation in DTM [an international touring car racing series, which he won in 2010], and there are other opportunities in a few other series. I've always been slightly concerned about the safety of it [IndyCar], but sitting down and looking at it logically, it's a serious option to look elsewhere because of the success he has had.
"Racing in America is slightly different, isn't it? In Europe, [Franchitti] is probably under-appreciated. But to sit there at 40, having won four IndyCar titles and three Indy 500s … I would like to be in that position."
However, continuing in Formula 1 is obviously his preferred option. "They know what I'm capable of here, they know what I can deliver. I feel like I'm an asset to the team but I can't make the decision for them, and I have to respect their decision," he said.
"I've said all along I'd love to be part of it. I don't know what will happen. I've got to wait and see. We're speaking, and that's all you can do. All is not confirmed yet."
Heading to the final race of the season in Brazil, di Resta currently occupies 10th place in the drivers' championship with 48 points.
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| (c) Octane Photographic |
Pirelli's mid-season tyre change affected the Silverstone-based outfit's form. However, some rather lacklustre performances in the final half of the season has subsequently put him at risk of losing his seat for 2014.
Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez, to name just a few, are both available next season and the team's reserve driver James Calado has put in some impressive performances in first practice sessions this year.
With his future at the team looking uncertain, di Resta has admitted that a return to DTM or a switch to the IndyCar series are possible options. The Scottish driver's cousin Dario Franchitti, a four-time IndyCar champion, recently announced his retirement from motorsport and it is thought that the 27-year-old could be a viable replacement.
He was open to the idea when asked about his chances by The Guardian: "I built a good reputation in DTM [an international touring car racing series, which he won in 2010], and there are other opportunities in a few other series. I've always been slightly concerned about the safety of it [IndyCar], but sitting down and looking at it logically, it's a serious option to look elsewhere because of the success he has had.
"Racing in America is slightly different, isn't it? In Europe, [Franchitti] is probably under-appreciated. But to sit there at 40, having won four IndyCar titles and three Indy 500s … I would like to be in that position."
However, continuing in Formula 1 is obviously his preferred option. "They know what I'm capable of here, they know what I can deliver. I feel like I'm an asset to the team but I can't make the decision for them, and I have to respect their decision," he said.
"I've said all along I'd love to be part of it. I don't know what will happen. I've got to wait and see. We're speaking, and that's all you can do. All is not confirmed yet."
Heading to the final race of the season in Brazil, di Resta currently occupies 10th place in the drivers' championship with 48 points.
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