Di Resta eyeing pointsposted in F111 | 03 | 2012

SCOTS FORMULA ONE racer Paul di Resta arrived in Australia today to begin his preparations for the opening grand prix in Melbourne next Sunday.

The 25-year-old from Bathgate, who will lead Sahara Force India's challenge this season, has spent the last few days in India but is now ready to turn his attention to the opener.

"I've been in India for a few days helping to bring F1 closer to our massive fan base in India," Di Resta said today, before hopping on a flight from Mumbai to Melbourne.

"Formula One is growing rapidly in India and it's important that we, as the team which flies the flag for the country in the sport, do everything we can to support our fans."

And Di Resta, last year's F1 Rookie of the Year and who will partner 24-year-old German Nico Hulkenberg in the team, is looking forward to the first race weekend of the year.

Scot Paul di Resta fifth-fastest

"We've done all the testing we can before the opening race, and like everyone else in the team I'm satisfied where we are," he continued.

"Of course, testing's one thing. We won't know where we truly stand in terms of outright pace and performance until the first qualifying session on Saturday.

"I certainly feel the whole grid has become much closer in terms of the speed and performance differentials, so I think the racing's going to be much tougher.

"I'm heading to Australia more relaxed this year. I feel more confident with a year's experience under my belt, and I definitely believe the team is better prepared than 12 month ago.

"The first race is always something of a step into the unknown, but our aim is to come away with some world championship points: and I think it's something we can achieve."

Paual Di Resta: "We want fifth in the championship"

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Jim McGill