There have been times recently when the German DTM touring car championship was seen as a backwater for ex-grand prix stars.

Thanks to di Resta’s graduation to Formula 1 with Force India in 2011, the DTM could once again prove to be just as much a hunting ground for future single-seater stars as the GP2 Series.

Di Resta’s rise up the ranks is thanks in part to his long relationship with Mercedes; the combination netted the Euro Formula Three and Formula Three Masters titles in 2006, beating 2010 F1 champion and team mate Sebastian Vettel in the process.

Since then, di Resta – the cousin of fellow Scots Dario and Marino Franchitti – has been one of Mercedes’ DTM young-gun stars. He stunned the series regulars on his debut, with fifth place in a two-year-old car and ultimately won the title in 2010.

For 2011, di Resta steps up the big time, often outpacing Force India teammate Adrian Sutil. He finished the year as the top rookie in 13th position overall in the Drivers’ Championship.

Remains with Force India for 2012, and has done well so far, scoring points at both Australia and Malaysia. His Sepang race was particularly notable, finishing seventh after starting the rain-hit race in 14th.