Paul Di, Scotland's rising motorsport star has been told that if he performs well during a two-day test with McLaren on Monday and Tuesday that he can book a place in next season's Formula One championship with the Force India team.

Paul Di, Scotland's rising motorsport star has been told that if he performs well during a two-day test with McLaren on Monday and Tuesday that he can book a place in next season's Formula One championship with the Force India team.

The 22 year-old from Bathgate, who will aim to capture the DTM series crown at Hockenheim next Sunday, has enhanced his reputation as the season has progressed and now, following discussions between his Mercedes boss, Norbert Haug, and the McLaren team owner, Ron Dennis, Di Resta is in line to replace the faltering German driver, Adrian Sutil, on the Grand Prix grid in 2009. The Scot has already impressed in a recent session with McLaren and it's now considered a question of when, not if, he gains a contract in the GP sphere.

None of the relevant parties would comment on the issue yesterday, but Di Resta told the Herald last month that he was determined to prove he could make the grade in the F1 ranks and was frustrated that others such as Germany's Sebastian Vettel - whom Di Resta beat regularly in the Formula Euroseries two years ago - have made significant strides forward in the Grand Prix domain, whereas he was being forced to bide his time.

However, his quality of performance has actually risen in the last few months, so much so that Dennis declared last week: "There is the possibility of Paul being integrated into Formula One, not necessarily with Mclaren at this stage, but he certainly has the potential to succeed in F1."

He has talent, a ferocious work ethic and winning mentality, and, as he admitted to the Herald, he comes "cheap, when compared to some of the older drivers in the sport."

"Right from the start of my career, I have wanted to get into F1 and you won't get anywhere in this business by setting your sights low," said Di Resta. "I know that I have the speed and the ability to make the grade in F1 and I want to test myself at the highest level."