di Resta eyes future Vettel battle

Paul di Resta longs for the opportunity to battle with back-to-back Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

But whilst the German driver is in the best car on the grid and di Resta is in the mid-pack teams with Force India, Vettel will continue to have the upper hand.

But five-years ago that wasn't the case, back then, both drivers were in the same car racing for the Formula Three Euro Series title and some may be surprised at who came out on top.

'We were team-mates in Formula 3 in 2006 and we had the same equipment, Fortunately, I came out on top that year and we had a great battle that went right down to the wire.' Di Resta told the Daily Star.

'I'd like to be racing him at the front of Formula One. I have a lot of respect for what he's done. You can't take away what he's achieved this year or diminish his success, but he's been in the best car.'

It's unlikely that di Resta will get his wish next season, but the Brit will not be too disheartened as he will be happy to start his second season in Formula One with the Force India team.

Di Resta for many was last seasons rookie of the year, so it wasn't a surprise when it was announced that he would remain with the team for 2012, however Adrian Sutil has been replaced with former reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg, who has previous Formula One experience with the Williams Team.

Di Resta is hoping to get the better of his team-mate, while also hoping that Hulkenberg remains competitive: 'I don't care which driver I have as a team-mate as long as I am beating them. But you need someone pushing you along at the same time,'