Di Resta wants pointsposted in F120 | 09 | 2012
A FORTNIGHT AFTER finishing eighth in Italy, Bathgate's Paul di Resta returns to Formula One action this weekend in the floodlit Singapore Grand Prix.
The 26-year-old Scot, who powered his Mercedes-powered Sahara Force India to a sensational sixth place 12 months ago, is confident he and the team can maximise the strong street set-up they have for the car.
"I had a good race in Singapore last year and we’ve seen already the car has been strong on street circuits this year," Di Resta, who has filmed a track walkabout with David Coulthard (pictured), to be shown as part of the BBC's build-up, said.
"I’m hoping we'll optimise the set-up and pick up some good points. I definitely think it’s a track everybody enjoys and because of the unusual schedule it’s an interesting race.
"The race starts at 1pm UK time, but we're seven hours ahead, so for us it's 8pm in the evening. Like most of the guys, I prefer to keep my watch — and body — on European time.
"It’s not something I find difficult. The important thing is making sure you choose the right flight to arrive in Singapore at the right time of day.
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"You also have to make sure the hotel staff don’t tap on your door in the morning at 9am, because you need to be sleeping for another five hours!
"I always go to bed at 6am and wake up at 2pm, that’s my routine. It also means we're having our main dinner around midnight … or later. Day becomes night, and you just make sure you don't suffer from jet lag.
"People ask how it is to race under artificial lights? The reality is they do such a good job that you don’t really notice. It’s almost better than driving during the day with cloud cover. It’s something you just get used to really quickly.
"After the performance we had at Monza, both in qualifying and during the race, we head to Singapore confident we can be on the pace again.
"It's crucial for the Constructors' Championship that we score points, both to close the gap to Sauber, and to stretch our advantage over Williams.
"The track has always suited our car, so I'm confident we can deliver again this weekend."
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Jim McGill