Di Resta: Massive resultposted in F122 | 04 | 2012
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA delivered a flawless drive at the dusty Sakhir circuit today to finish sixth in the Bahrain Grand Prix. The superb result equalled his best-ever Formula One finish: the 26-year-old Scot was also sixth in Singapore last year.
Starting from 10th on the grid, Di Resta's careful management of his Pirelli tyres allowed his Sahara Force India team to maximise a two-stop strategy, while the rest of the leading contenders did a three-stop race.
“The result today is massive for us," a delighted Di Resta said afterwards. "The team did an amazing job all weekend, the strategy came together and the pit-stops were perfect.
"We knew it would be a big ask to make only two stops and it was a close run thing at the end, because my tyres completely went away on the final lap.
"I had Fernando Alonso very close behind me, but I saved a bit of KERS coming out of the final corner and managed to stay ahead.
See more official photos of Paul in action in Bahrain today
"Apart from that, the car has been awesome. So we go away from here as a very happy team with a few weeks to reflect on things and determined to arrive in Barcelona in fighting form.”
And Di Resta's impeccable drive, which also saw him overtake both the Williams of Pastor Maldonado and the Sauber of Sergio Perez at the same time on the inside of the right-hander at Turn Four, was praised by team boss Robert Fernley.
“Considering everything that has gone on this week, I am delighted to see such a strong team performance in today’s race," Fernley, Sahara Force India deputy team principal said.
"We took a brave call on the strategy with Paul, but it paid off, and having saved the tyres yesterday allowed us to push the two-stop window right to the limit.
"Once again Paul drove a superb race, lapping consistently and making the strategy work perfectly. This sixth place is well-deserved and matches his best result in Formula One."
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Jim McGill