Apr.20 (GMM) The latest admiration of rookie Paul di Resta's stirring early form in formula one is sparking headlines and speculation.

Norbert Haug hailed the Scot as "exceptional" after he outqualified his experienced Force India teammate Adrian Sutil at the first three races of his career.

Haug is the motor sport boss for Mercedes-Benz, the German marque that still retains links to di Resta after his recent DTM career, including the highly respected German touring car series title last year.

But Mercedes also has its own formula one team, and it is believed that di Resta's placement at Force India this year is connected with the Silverstone based team's F1 engine and KERS supply.

"We always knew he was good but his start has been exceptional," Haug is quoted as saying by the Sun newspaper.

It should also be noted that, to Blick newspaper, Swiss F1 chief Peter Sauber hailed the 25-year-old as "the amazing rookie".

But it is the Mercedes link that is sparking the headlines, including correspondent Bob McKenzie's in the UK Express when he said di Resta could "fill Michael Schumacher's boots".

"If Schumacher's nightmare F1 return continues any longer there is a possibility that he or Mercedes could decide to terminate their arrangement at the end of the season," wrote McKenzie.

"And di Resta would be an obvious choice to step in."

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