'Home' race for Di Restaposted in F107 | 09 | 2011
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA returned to the UK at the weekend to watch his 2010 Mercedes team race in the latest round of the DTM Championship at Brands Hatch.
Now though he's en route to Monza for his second 'home' race of the season, the Italian Grand Prix.
Watched by his Italian-based family contingent, the 25-year-old Scot is looking forward to rewarding them with some more world championship points in his Force India VJM04. Before heading to Italy, he spoke with Scotcars' Jim McGill:
"I'm really looking forward to Monza. It's one of the best tracks in the world and I can't wait to race on it. I hadn't done anything on it until I took part in Free Practice last year, and I have to say I loved the track.
"It’s just so fast; it's brilliant. But what's important is that you also need to be aggressive and use the kerbs to get the laptime. You also have to adapt and drive in a slightly different way because it’s so low downforce
"But you also have to throw into the equation the fact you need to be very precise on the brakes too, because it’s easy to lock a wheel and if you miss your braking by just a metre it can cost you a lot.
"The circuit's notorious for being tough on brakes, so that's one area we'll be paying special attention to; that and tyre wear. I think tyres are going to be an issue this weekend, so they'll need some looking after, especially in qualifying.
Paul di Resta backs Scottish Motorsport Festival
"But I'm very confident we're going to be fast this weekend, and pushing for points. In many ways the circuit's like Montreal — a couple of long, fast straights punctuated by corners and chicanes — and we were quick in Canada.
"The Force India VJM04 has traditionally been very good on low downforce circuits and that, allied to our strong Mercedes-Benz engine and our KERS system, means we'll be pushing to be the best of the midfield teams again this weekend.
"Last weekend I went to Brands Hatch to chill out and watch my old Mercedes team in the DTM Championship. It wasn't the best result for us, but it was great to see all my old mates again.
"But it'll be good though to be out to the Italian sunshine. The weather forecast is hot and sunny for the weekend, so hopefully we'll have a blistering result come Sunday afternoon and I can get back to scoring some world championship points."
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Jim McGill