Di Resta returns to DTM after Force India axe

Scottish driver Paul di Resta will return to DTM racing with Mercedes after losing his Formula 1 seat at Force India.

Di Resta had made his F1 debut with Force India in 2011 after winning the 2010 DTM title for Mercedes. He went to complete three seasons with the Silverstone squad before he was replaced by financially supported Sergio Perez for 2014.

"It feels really good to be back in the DTM and to see so many familiar faces again. The DTM is a fantastic racing series with three strong premium brands, a very competitive field and a very evenly matched bunch of drivers," said di Resta.

"Much has changed since my last DTM race in Shanghai in 2010 with new cars, a new set of rules and a third manufacturer, but what has not changed is my enormous appetite for success."

The Scot will partner 2005 champion Gary Paffet in the upcoming DTM season. They are among seven former DTM champions who have so far confirmed their participation in the 2014 season.

During testing in Portimao Tuesday, di Resta will take to the wheel of a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe to begin preparing for the DTM season opener in Hockenheim on the weekend of May 3-4.

The Scot previously competed in the world's most popular international touring car series with the three-pointed star from 2007 to 2010, securing six wins, six pole positions and seven fastest laps from 42 races.

After clinching the DTM title at the 2010 season finale in Shanghai, Di Resta switched to F1, where he contested 58 Grands Prix for Force India, scoring 121 championship points.