Di Resta's Monaco targetposted in F122 | 05 | 2012
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA heads into this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix determined to get back into the top 10 and score world championship points for Sahara Force India.
Long acknowledged as the Blue Riband event of any Formula One season, the race round the tight streets of the tiny principality of Monaco remains the one every driver wants to win.
But before the opening Free Practice on Thursday, Di Resta took some time out to tell us about the family and friends who love Monaco, his views of the race, and highlights the crucial parts of the famous tight street circuit.
"Monaco is definitely the most glitzy of all the races in the season: and it's always the one every driver wants to win," the 26-year-old Scot explained.
"Winning at Monaco is something special for any driver, and it's something I'm determined to have on my CV before the end of my F1 career.
Watch Paul's preview of the Monaco Grand Prix
"It's also one of the most hectic weeks of the year. A lot of my family and friends love to come down to Monaco for this race, and I can completely understand why.
"The location is spectacular; the weather is normally brilliant sunshine, and it's just a great place to be.
"The grandstands are packed, the yachts are in the harbour and everybody is looking for the best view. And when the weather is nice — which it normally is — it really helps make for an electric atmosphere.
"Having lived here now for almost 18 months, I find it very interesting to see how much busier Monaco gets when the race comes to town.
"Normally it's a very quiet place, with not a lot of traffic and very few people. That all changes during race week. You can't drive anywhere; the pavements are packed, and there's a terrific buzz about the place which seems to last 24 hours every day.
"For me though, it’s really nice to go home each night, sleep in my own bed and enjoy my own space. Plus I get to catch up with my family and friends.
Mercedes admits it's eyeing Di Resta for 2013
"Regarding the circuit: it's one I love, and living here it's probably the one I know best. It’s a circuit which is all about confidence and commitment, and you need to build up your speed through the weekend to extract the maximum lap time," Di Resta, global ambassador for Whyte & Mackay whisky, continued.
"There are some great corners, such as Casino Square, where you arrive at 185 mph and brake as you turn into a blind corner.
"Then there’s the slowest corner of the year, the hairpin, taken in first gear using maximum steering lock. For the end of the lap through the swimming pool you really feel the downforce and you need a car that can ride the bumps and kerbs.
"It’s a real challenge for drivers and engineers to get the perfect car. Last year we had a fast car which was capable of a good result, and hopefully we can repeat that this weekend."
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Jim McGill
Watch Paul's preview of the Monaco Grand Prix