Di Resta eyes US pointsposted in F113 | 11 | 2012
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA and the rest of the Formula One entourage head to the Lone Star State this weekend when Texas hosts the latest US Grand Prix.
The newly-built Circuit of the Americas, in Austin, promises to be something of a rollercoaster ride: if not for the spectators, then definitely for the drivers.
With its blind crests and rolling undulations, the new track is unique on the F1 calendar. It's combination of the rising blind apex of Turn 1, allied to cambered high-speed sections, guarantee it will not be easy to conquer.
"I got my first experience of the new circuit earlier this week on the simulator," Di Resta, who will again pilot his Mercedes-powered Sahara Force India, said today, "so I've got everything relating to its layout fresh in my head.
"On first sight of it, it's a medium-speed track with a lot of elevation changes, which should make it interesting both from a driving perspective, and a fans' view.
"Probably the most exciting section are turns three to six: they're high-speed with lots of changes in direction – it reminds me of Maggotts and Becketts at Silverstone.
"Towards the end of the lap there are some big stops and low-speed sections, so it looks like the designers have managed to get a bit of everything into the layout.
F1 aiming for success in US
"Because it's a new track, I think it's going to be similar to Abu Dhabi: there'll be new tarmac and a smooth surface. So there’s every reason to believe we can be competitive this weekend.
"I'm really looking forward to getting back into the car. Abu Dhabi was an eventful race, so we were happy with the points, especially given the puncture I had on lap one.
"I think the decision to change the chassis was the right thing to do after the balance problems we'd suffered in the previous two or three races. It definitely improved our performance level.
"In terms of race pace, the car was strong. I overtook a lot of cars and without the puncture we could definitely have had a stronger day.
"Points this weekend are crucial, because we're in a real scrap with Sauber and Williams over sixth, seventh and eight places in the Constructors' Championship.
"With two races to go, realistically Sauber are probably out of reach. We're 22 points ahead of Williams, and though they looked good in Abu Dhabi, I think we’re in a strong enough position to defend from them.
"But we're heading into the unknown in Austin. No one's raced on the track before, so we don't know what teams, cars or drivers it'll suit best.
"All I know is that I'll be doing everything I can to make sure I score as many points as possible for Sahara Force India.
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Jim McGill