Di Resta top F1 Rookieposted in F105 | 12 | 2011
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA received the Autosport.com Rookie of the Year at the Autosport Awards in London. The Scot collected his award, voted for by fans on Autosport.com, from Williams F1 veteran team boss Patrick Head (watch our video of Paul receiving his award).
The prestigious award at the dinner — held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London — came just 24 hours after Di Resta received another award at the Scottish Motor Racing Club annual dinner in Edinburgh. It was also 48 hours after he attended the 50th anniversary dinner of the West of Scotland Kart Club where he started his racing career.
"It's been a hectic, but very satisfying weekend," the 25-year-old said. "On Friday I took part in a Q&A forum in Cumbernauld as part of the 50th anniversary of the West of Scotland Kart Club (WSKC).
"The WSKC was hugely important to me as a kid in terms of learning the ropes in the karting world and gave me a great platform to build from.
"I think it's fair to say that without the help, guidance and support I received from the WSKC, I wouldn't be where I am today, racing in Formula One.
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"But I wasn't alone on Friday. My cousins Dario and Marino Franchitti were both there as well, as was Allan McNish. We all raced at Larkhall with the WSKC in our early days, so it was great for us to support the event and spend time answering questions from all the young Scottish karters.
"On Saturday we all attended the SMRC awards dinner in Edinburgh, and I received the Ecurie Ecosse Hubcap for my performances in F1 this season.
"It's always good to go back to the SMRC dinner and support motorsport in Scotland. It was also good to see so many old faces who supported me through my early career.
"Then on Sunday we flew down to London to attend the Autosport Awards. This is the biggest and most important awards ceremony in the UK, and I was delighted to receive the Rookie of the Year Award," the Whyte & Mackay global ambassador continued.
"It's been a tough year, but a hugely rewarding one, and to round the year off with this award, which was voted for by the fans, means a huge amount to me. And I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me.
"The year's now finally slowing down and I can take a few weeks to rest, recharge the batteries and spend some precious time with my family and friends.
"Believe me, I'm certainly looking forward to the break."
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Jim McGill