Paul di Resta’s manager has hinted Mercedes could be interested in signing the rookie Scot for 2012.

The comments by Anthony Hamilton on Tuesday follow Michael Schumacher’s reported admission in the Italian press this week that he is not sure “if my mindset is right for this team”.

“At some point we will evaluate whether I continue or stop,” said the seven time world champion.

Should the German return to retirement, di Resta – impressive on his F1 race debut with Mercedes-powered Force India this year – is considered the favourite for the seat.

He won the DTM championship with Mercedes last year and remains close to the German carmaker.

Said di Resta’s manager Hamilton, the father of 2008 world champion Lewis: “I’d like to think that there is an interest — Paul is a Mercedes protege.

“I’m proud of him. He will make a great replacement for someone at a top team.”

Apr.21 (GMM)  A couple of formula one drivers came within a cloud of volcanic ash of racing in this weekend’s season opener of the 2010 DTM championship.

Because Mercedes’ Paul di Resta and Gary Paffett were delayed in Shanghai due to the ongoing European air travel disruptions, the German marque feared the pair might not be back to drive at Hockenheim.

Mercedes’ F1 reserve driver Nick Heidfeld, who was among the first to leave China, and his German countryman Timo Glock, were lined up as potential replacements.

Like Heidfeld, Glock – who drives for Virgin but with close ties to the DTM backer Deutsche Post – was among the fortunate few to secure an early return flight to Europe.

“We did not know when they (Paffett and di Resta) would come back.  There was definitely the possibility that Nick and Timo would have driven the cars,” Norbert Haug is quoted as saying by motorsport-total.com.

Ultimately, the two DTM drivers – and Mercedes’ competition director Haug – arrived in Germany “earlier than anticipated”, Haug said.

“But on Monday afternoon, no one could tell us whether we are flying on Thursday, Friday or Saturday,” he added.

Glock confirmed that driving in DTM this weekend was part of Mercedes’ “emergency plan”.

“I have had a good relationship with Norbert Haug and Mercedes for many years, so I would have helped them out.

“I felt honoured that in this case they thought of me,” he added.

Force India confirmed today, Tuesday that the DTM star, Paul di Resta will be the team’s test pilot, as well as reserve pilot for the 2010 season.  This was announced in the press conference held in Force India, Whyte & Mackay main sponsors’ headquarters in Glasgow.

“¡I’m very excited with the opportunity to finally pass to the F1!”, said the 23 year old pilot.  “I’m glad to be able to begin my career in the F1 with Force India, a team with great potential. “

“I think this a perfect way to prepare completely and be ready to go, provided that I have the possibility of getting a race position.  I hope this is the beginning of a long-term future with Force India.  With the support from the team, including Whyte & Mackay, I’m sure we’re going to grow together. “

“I would like to thank Paul and JR Hildebrand, for their commitment at the Jerez test,” said Vijay Mallya, President and CEO of the Force India team.  “They both worked very hard and were impressive during the test.  We’re proud to have someone of Paul’s caliber in the team.  His potential was evident during the test and he has the correct attitude to make it to the F1.”

“The program we have designed will allow him to become familiar with the car, the team …,” declared the owner of the Malayan scuderia.

Di Resta, who finished third in the general with a victory in the 2009 DTM Championship, has plans to combine his pilot role in the Formula One with the German Tourism Championship.