Scottish youngster Paul Di Resta's Formula One dream will take another step closer next week when he tests with Force India in Spain.

The 23-year-old has already mixed it with the Formula One big boys – beating current Red Bull F1 winner Sebastian Vettel to the 2006 European Formula 3 Championship.

The Bathgate star had been lined up for Force India this season until team owner Vijay Mallya opted to retain Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil.

And Di Resta – who has also finished second and third in DTM in the past two years – admits his Spain adventure is another crucial stepping stone to mixing it Jenson Button and co.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for me and another important step towards fulfilling my F1 dream," said Di Resta.

"The Force India car is about as far removed from the McLaren I drove last year as technically possible but I'll be ready.

"I'm determined the test will be the springboard to making my dream come true."