Di Resta bags pointsposted in F109 | 09 | 2012
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA delivered one of the most impressive grand prix weekends of his Formula One career, when he scored world championship points in Italy (see more official photos of Paul in action today at Monza).
The 26-year-old was fourth-fastest in qualifying at Monza, and finished the Italian Grand Prix eighth, despite being forced to start the race from ninth.
"Fourth-fastest in qualifying was brilliant," the Sahara Force India racer said today. "My best-ever qualifying performance, and it came at the quickest track on the F1 calendar.
"Frustratingly though, because we had to fit a new gearbox to the car, I received a five-slot grid penalty. As a result I had to start the race from ninth.
“Coming into the weekend I probably would have settled for eighth, but when you consider the qualifying pace, we certainly had high hopes for the race.
"I struggled at the start with the heavy fuel load and didn’t really have the race pace on the medium tyres.
"Things improved after my stop when I was running the hard compound and our pace was much stronger towards the end of the race."
Lewis Hamilton wins F1 Italian GP at Monza
And the Scot — who continues to be linked with a switch to either McLaren, Mercedes or even Ferrari for 2013 — confirmed he has appointed a new management company.
"I have appointed The Sports Partnership management stable to look after my business responsibilities," Di Resta continued.
"The demands on an F1 driver's time are huge. Knowing now that my business affairs are going to be looked after by Richard Goddard and James Williamson takes a huge load off my mind and allows me to concentrate fully on racing.
"After all, that's what I'm paid to do, and it's what I do best.
"The guys already look after former world champ Jenson Button, who I spend a lot of time training with in Monaco.
"They have a well-established track record of success, and I'm looking forward to working with them over the forthcoming years."
Button, winner last weekend at Spa and lying second at Monza, was forced to retire his McLaren when it developed fuel problems with just 19 laps remaining.
His team-mate Lewis Hamilton dominated the race, winning from pole position ahead of Sauber's Sergio Perez and the Ferrari of world championship leader Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard now holds a 37-point advantage over his nearest rival, Hamilton, with seven grands prix remaining.
Paul di Resta confirms new management team
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Jim McGill