Di Resta reflects on 2011posted in F129 | 11 | 2011
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA — celebrations over after the end of the Brazilian Grand Prix, and having helped Sahara Force India seal sixth position in the Constructors' Championship — was soon on a plane back to Europe ready to enjoy a few weeks' rest with family and friends.
But before switching off completely, the 25-year-old Scot spoke to Jim McGill about his first race at Interlagos; reflected on the highs and lows of his Formula One rookie season; and answers the big question .... will he be racing with Sahara Force India next season?
"Well, that's my first season racing in Formula One finished, and what a terrific way to end the year. Eighth place on my first outing at the fantastic Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo was great," Di Resta explained.
"More importantly that result, allied to the top 10 finish by my team-mate Adrian Sutil, ensured Sahara Force India finished sixth in the Constructors' Championship.
"That's the highest the team has ever finished and, in terms of financial rewards for the team, is crucial because it allows us now to continue the development of the car for 2012.
"The feeling in the garage after the race was in complete contrast to last year when we missed out on sixth place by just one point.
Paul di Resta eighth in Brazil
"This year we finished 25 points ahead of Sauber in seventh, and just four points adrift of Renault in fifth: so we've already set our objectives for next year.
"The race itself was difficult. I got a great start and got ahead of Michael Schumacher for 10th in the first couple of corners, but the problem we had through qualifying continued into the race: we couldn't get the maximum top speed out of the car.
"For some mysterious reason it was 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 also opted for a two-stop strategy which was the best option for us; the tyre-wear was better on my car than Adrian's throughout the race.
"I also had a problem with the gearbox, plus a KERS failure, and I wondered whether I'd complete the final 25 laps. And it was only that combination of problems which stopped me challenging Adrian over the closing laps.
"The car's been rock solid all year and ultra-reliable — I completed more F1 racing laps this season than any other driver — and in the end I was able to comfortably manage the gap to Kamui Kobayshi's Sauber behind me.
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"The atmosphere when I got back to the garage was great: lots of back-slapping, hugs and smiles. I've always said we win as a team and we lose as a team: Sunday was one of those days when we celebrated as a team.
"Now though I'm looking forward to taking some well deserved time off. It will be good to relax, see the family, recharge the batteries and reflect on what has been a long, but ultimately very satisfying year.
"Highs and lows? Highs definitely qualifying sixth for my home grand prix at Silverstone, and finishing sixth on my first outing in Singapore.
"The low point was the race at Silverstone when we lost what should have been a great result because of the pitlane mix-up with the tyres.
"But all that's passed now, and the important thing is we, as a team, learned from the experience. We moved on and concentrated on having an excellent second-half of the season: and that's exactly what we delivered.
So, 'what's happening next year?' is the question everyone is asking me. Will I be back racing with Sahara Force India next season?
"I sincerely hope so. That decision, I believe, is imminent and there's not much else I can say on the matter.
"What I can say is you can't believe how happy I am to have achieved what I have in my first season: 27 world championship points, 13th in the drivers' championship, and a series of top 10 finishes.
"I want to say thank you to everyone in the team, and thank everyone who has supported me, both in Scotland and around the world.
"It's been a great year. It has always been an ambition of mine to race in Formula One, and now I've achieved it.
"As for next year? Like me, you'll have to wait and see. Now though, it's time for a well deserved rest."
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Jim McGill