Di Resta: Secret targetsposted in F109 | 02 | 2011

SCOT PAUL DI RESTA attended the unveiling of his new Force India Formula one racer, the Mercedes-powered VJM04. Before heading off to Spain today for this week's four-day test at Jerez, the 24-year-old from Bathgate spoke with Jim McGill.

JM: You got back into the car last week for the first time after a busy winter. How did the test in Valencia go?

PdR: It was very productive. I got back into the swing of it by doing a few laps on Tuesday. That allowed us to set a baseline and then we did a full day on the Wednesday. We weren't focussing on the times, because I was driving the VJM03; it was more about getting data from the Pirelli tyres to feed back into the development of the VJM04. We achieved our targets and everything went smoothly.

For me it was also about reparing as much as I can for the start of the season by getting back into the team environment, re-establishing the relationships I've built within the team.

 

Throughout 2010 you undertook a significant amount of simulator work for the team; is that likely to continue into 2011?

The simulator programme is a very important development tool for the team and last year I did a lot of proving and testing of new parts while the race drivers looked at specific race preparation. Obviously my situation has changed for 2011. I'm in the race seat, so I'll be concentrating more on the next grand prix, learning the tracks, knowing when you need to operate the different systems we have to use and making sure that when I get to the event I can start on a solid footing.

 

The cockpit of an F1 car is a very busy place to be and this year there are even more controls and driver-operated systems than last season; how will that affect your concentration in races? Is there anything you can do in terms of preparation to make it easier?

There are certainly a number of different systems to operate in the car for this season, including the new KERS and rear wing, in addition to the usual balance switches. Because the moveable rear wing can only be operated in certain conditions, that will be a challenge to get right, but as it's new to F1 it will be a learning experience for everyone. Because I'm relatively new to F1 I actually think I'll adapt to it quite quickly simply because I have no other reference points; but all the same it's something we are focussing on in the simulator so it becomes more routine.

 

Knowing you now have your own car, one which you don't have to hand back after the Friday free practice sessions, has your approach to the sessions changed in any way?

I've always been committed to every task the team has given me, so knowing I'll be on the grid in Bahrain hasn't changed me or my approach. I'm aware though that, as with any promotion, you need to work at it; you need to understand what is required and how you can personally achieve that. I'm not letting it overwhelm me and I'm looking at it step by step. I know this is a great opportunity and I definitely want to make the most of it.

 

There are obvious differences between DTM and F1 in terms of both the race distances and the stresses which will be applied to your body; knowing that, has your preparation changed over the winter with regards to fitness or mental training?

I don't have any concerns about fitness or concentration over the race distances; I've always said a DTM car is like a single-seater with a roof and racing them is pretty tough. Taking part in the Friday free practice sessions last season highlighted the particular areas which needed a bit more focus, primarily your neck or shoulder muscles. The best training to get back into it though will be simply be the winter testing sessions.

 

There's 20 grands prix this year and a number of the tracks will be completely new to you; how will you learn them or prepare in advance?

Last year I drove the Force India car at eight tracks and as a result I know them fairly well now; the rest I'll learn on the simulator or by looking through last year's data. The sim we use is pretty accurate and gets you up to speed before you get to the track itself.

 

What are your expectations for this year?

I don't want to say exact targets on record as there are so many factors that can come into play. What I do want to do is to have a positive approach, finish, be consistent and contribute strongly to the team's overall performance. We've got high aims of finishing in a good constructors' championship position and I know that I've got to play my part in this.

See exclusive footage of the new Force India VJM04, and an interview with technical director Andrew Green.

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Jim McGill