Schumacher to be replaced by di Resta?

In recent weeks Paul di Resta has been linked with moves to both Ferrari and Mercedes after impressing the top teams during his fledgling Formula One career.

If there had been an official rookie of the year prize, the Force India driver would have taken it in 2011 as the Scottish driver showed experience beyond his years during many races last season.

Force India might not have taken the step forward that they would have been hoping for in 2012, but that hasn't prevented di Resta from impressing again this season.

With Felipe Massa's Ferrari seat likely to be available in 2013, former three-time Formula One World champion and Scottish compatriot Jackie Stewart said that di Resta and Ferrari could be a perfect fit alongside current number one driver Fernando Alonso.

While other rumours have also linked him with other teams, but now we have something really concrete with a confession from Mercedes CEO Nick Fry that Paul di Resta is being monitored by the Mercedes team, which could lead to the British driver replacing seven-times Formula One champion Michael Schumacher at the end of the season.

Paul di Resta does of course have a history with Mercedes, he drove for them for four years in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters [DTM, German Touring car series], winning 6 races and taking the 2010 title, while he reportedly made the move into Formula One with help from Mercedes as they supply Force India with their F1 engines.

All of the above would link to a natural progression into the Mercedes Formula One team, but the fact that Nick Fry has gone public with his admiration has to be a strong indication of their thinking.

Paul's on our radar, He's done a fantastic job, he's a nice guy, he's great team player and he would be one of the drivers undoubtedly that, if Michael were to decide he didn't want to continue, we would look at. But we haven't reached that time yet in our thinking but we have all got a lot of admiration for Paul.' Mercedes Chief Executive Officer Nick Fry told Sky Sports.

While that comment might sound like Schumacher's position is safe for as long as he wanted it, when Fry elaborated further on whether or not the time was right for Schumacher to leave the team following his poor start to the 2012 season he added: 'I am sure if we get to the end of this year and it is continues as it has done for the last few races I think he will probably be asking himself that question. There is time to go and we are not making any decisions yet.'