Di Resta eyes sixthposted in F121 | 11 | 2011
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA, fresh from securing more Formula One World Championship points on his last outing in Abu Dhabi, returns to action this weekend at Interlagos for the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix.
But before heading off to Sao Paulo, the 25-year-old Scot gave his thoughts on the circuit, the season so far, and Sahara Force India's bid to clinch sixth position on the Formula One Constructors' Championship. He spoke with Scotcars' Jim McGill.
"Top of our agenda this weekend is doing everything we can to ensure Sahara Force India finishes sixth in the contractors' championship," Di Resta stated.
"We go into the race holding sixth position, 15 points ahead of Sauber and 16 in front of Toro Rosso. On paper it looks like a healthy gap, but we're certainly not taking anything for granted.
"Last year the team missed out on sixth by just one point, and we all remember how disappointed we were. It's an experience we definitely don't want to repeat, so everybody is fired up.
"The constructors' championship is the No1 aim at the start of the season for every team in F1: in football terms, it's like the Premiership.
"There's 12 teams in F1, so for Sahara Force India — still one of the smaller teams in the sport — to finish sixth would be a terrific achievement and put us in the top half of the table.
"It would also be the best ever result for the team and guarantee significant financial rewards: and it's that money which will help us make further progress next season. So we all know how important sixth place is.
See action photos of Paul di Resta racing in Abu Dhabi
"I've been to the circuit at Interlagos before: I was there 12 months ago in my role as test and reserve driver for the team, though I didn't get the opportunity to drive the car.
"Of course, I've done some work on the simulator and I've walked the track, so I know my way around. That said, apart from that I don't really know a massive amount about it.
"I do know that because it's one of the most undulating circuits on the calendar, it's quite tricky and there are some quite unusual corners.
"The other big thing which sets it apart is that it's one of the very few circuits we race on which is anti-clockwise. That makes it physically very tough because it really tests your neck muscles in a way they're not used to.
"People have asked if, because it's the final race of the year, we'll approach it differently? The simple answer is, 'no'.
"Of course we have the comfortable gap over Sauber and Toro Rosso, but to get the points we need we still need to be aggressive and keep pushing.
"If I'm honest, we haven't completely ruled out hopes of catching and passing Renault for fifth in the championship. Ok, they're 15 points ahead of us and it would take quite an unusual race and a bit of luck, but we're not ruling it out completely.
Paul di Resta back in the points in Abu Dhabi
"The important thing is that we pick up where we left off in Abu Dhabi so we can hopefully have another double points finish: that would be an excellent way to end the season.
"From a personal perspective, it seems like only yesterday I was turning up in Australia to make my F1 racing debut: now here we are at the season finale.
"The year has been incredible and I’ve enjoyed every moment. It’s flown by really quickly. The standout moments for me were my first race in Melbourne and qualifying sixth for my first British Grand Prix.
"The atmosphere at Silverstone was so special — unlike anything I’ve ever experienced — and that’s something I will always remember.
"Now though I'm focused on doing everything I can this weekend to help seal the best result ever for my Sahara Force India team."
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Jim McGill