Button linked with new management for di Resta

Jul.12 (GMM) Paul di Resta is being linked to F1 rival Jenson Button's sports management company.

Jenson Button, McLaren and Paul di Resta, Sahara Force India F1 on the drivers parade

Photo by: xpb.cc

Force India driver di Resta confirmed last weekend that he has split with his former manager, Anthony Hamilton -- McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton's father.

The F1 website grandprix.com is reporting that the Scot is now being informally advised by Richard Goddard, who manages Hamilton's teammate Jenson Button.

The report said Goddard has confirmed giving advice to the 26-year-old di Resta but denied he is being paid, or the existence of a contract.

The news is also fascinating in the light of 2009 world champion Button's admission last year that his new management company, Sports Partnership, would consider handling the career of a rival F1 driver.

Button set up the London based management firm in collaboration with Goddard.

"Absolutely," Goddard said late last year.

"Of course Jenson wouldn't want a business relationship with a direct rival -- but he would enjoy working with a young guy, somebody who has just come into F1 or who is on the brink."