Di Resta keeping an eye on Formula E... just in case

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Paul di Resta is in contention for a seat at Williams for 2018, but the Scot is also keeping an eye on Formula E's development.

Di Resta is hopeful of rejoining the F1 fray next season on a full-time basis after dropping off the grid at the end of the 2013 season.

As Williams' reserve driver, he substituted for Felipe Massa in Hungary this summer when the Brazilian fell ill and is currently under consideration for a seat with the Grove-based outfit along with Massa and Robert Kubica.

But as a Mercedes driver in the DTM series, the 31-year old is also taking a keen interest in the burgeoning Formula E series which the German manufacturer will enter in 2019.

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"I guess it’s something to look at. It’s definitely on the rise," said di Resta of Formula E as he spoke with SafeisFast.com.

"It’s not something that has opened its doors to me yet, purely because of the series I have been involved in.

"Mercedes are entering that series very soon, so maybe there’s a chance to get involved in that programme.

"The important thing at the moment to focus on is what is now, thinking about the future and what will happen, but we’ll see.

"The cars are getting better every year and look more exciting!"

The Scot admitted his motorsport future was a bit up in the air given Mercedes decision to leave the DTM to focus on F1 and FE.

"I’m not really too sure what my plans are at the moment! We’ll have to wait and see," he said.

"Obviously at the end of next year when Mercedes pull out of DTM, but ultimately there’s some other opportunities that may be expressed.

"At the moment it’s work in progress, but we’ll see how it develops."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.