Di Resta hungry for pointsposted in F124 | 07 | 2013
BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA returns to Formula One action this weekend in Hungary, three weeks after narrowly missing out on points in Germany.
The Sahara Force India racer, ninth in the world championship with 36 points — 13 ahead of his team-mate Adrian Sutil — is quietly confident he can return to point-scoring form.
"I love the track in Hungary, and traditionally we go quite well there," Di Resta, who finished seventh at the Hungaroring in 2011, said.
"And I think, despite the disappointments of Germany, when we really lost points simply because the tyres lost grip over the closing three laps, we'll be right back on the pace this weekend.
"Having said that, the biggest challenge we're going to have is getting used to the new Pirelli tyres which will be introduced for this race.
"It's going to be a learning experience for everyone, but I'm confident we're up to the challenge. We learned a huge amount at the tyre test at Silverstone earlier this month, so we're targeting Q3 in qualifying, then take the race from there."
Di Resta — a global ambassador for Whyte & Mackay Whisky — admitted he enjoys the challenge of the tight, twisty Hungaroring track, which has a reputation for being one of the most difficult to overtake on.
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"Physically and mentally it's a very demanding track," he continued. "There's never really any time to draw breath because it just seems to be one corner after another.
"Actually, it's very like a street circuit in its layout, and that's always good for us.
"Friday and saturday's all about finding the rhythm of the track and building your confidence with each lap. By the time the track is fully rubbered in it feels very satisfying to drive.
"And as this race marks the midpoint of the season, it would be fantastic to go into the summer break having scored more world championship points."
After winning his home grand prix for the first time, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel heads to Budapest leading the Ferrari of his nearest rival, Fernando Alonso, by 34 points.
And the Spaniard has admitted he's fears it would be an unpleasant summer break if he and Ferrari can't close the gap to Vettel.
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"A good result is important because it is the summer break now and it will be good for the motivation of the team and our focus if we can close the gap with Sebastian a little before the break," Alonso said.
"If this gap increases, it will be a very stressful summer break for all of us and hard for motivation, so it's important."
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen now lies just seven points behind Alonso, and the Finn, who is being strongly linked to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull next year, is ready to trust his 'gut feeling' for 2014.
"Whatever the decision will be might feel stupid to somebody else, it might just feel right for me," Raikkonen explained.
"I have no idea what will happen, we have to wait and see what will come, but hopefully whatever it will be it will be the right choice.
"Basically everything has to feel right. It the end it comes down to whatever I think is the right one.
"There will be no guarantee the choice will be a good one in the long run, but I am fine with whatever the outcome will be. You live with your choices."
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Jim McGill