Di Resta eighth in Brazilposted in F127 | 11 | 2011
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA ended his rookie Formula One season with an impressive eighth position in his first outing in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old Scot, who started from 11th on the Interlagos grid, also helped ensure his Sahara Force India team clinched sixth position in the Constructors' Championship.
Partnered by team-mate Adrian Sutil, the duo made sure the team finished the highest they ever have in the championship. In the end they were only four points adrift of Renault in fifth.
And Di Resta, who is expected to be confirmed in the next few days as a Sahara Force India racer for next season, alongside German Nico Hulkenberg, admitted he was delighted with his performances.
"I feel quite relieved," Di Resta, who scored a total of 27 championship points to seal his position as highest rookie this season, said today.
New Sky Sports F1 HD channel for 2012
"We've had quite a difficult weekend because we just haven't been able to get top speed out of the car. It's been about 3km/h down on the other chassis all weekend. There was nothing we could change under the parc ferme rules which would have made any difference.
"We went on a two-stop strategy, but probably a three-stop would have been a bit quicker. But in fairness I think we were governed by where we qualified.
"But after a gearbox failure, and a KERS failure, I must admit for the final 25 laps I was a bit nervous. But we managed to get it home in the end and manage the gap to Kobayashi's Sauber behind me.
"It's a good job done for the team. We've secured sixth place for the team in the Constructors' Championship, narrowly missing out on fifth."
The Scot also took time to reflect on his debut season racing in F1; a year which has seen him receive a number of plaudits and praise from many senior figures in the paddock.
Paul di Resta eyes sixth for Sahara Force India
"It's been a good year for me," he continued, "and a long year. I'm disappointed it's over, because you always want it to continue.
"I think it will be a well deserved rest for everyone. It'll be good to recharge the batteries, spend time with the family and come back fighting next year.
"I want to say thank you to everyone in the team. It's been a great year. It's been an ambition of mine to drive in Formula One, and you can't believe how happy I am at the moment to have achieved what I have in my first season.
"Will I be back racing with Sahara Force India next season? I sincerely hope so. That decision I believe is imminent, but at the same time they're remaining relatively positive and that's the main thing. We'll focus on the winter and come back strong."
Aussie Mark Webber led home a Red Bull 1-2 ahead of his team-mate and double world champ Sebastien Vettel. McLaren's Jenson Button finished third.
See more photos of Paul di Resta racing in Brazil
Here's your chance to vote for Paul in the Autosport Rookie of the Year Award.
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on twitter.com/scotcars
Jim McGill