Di Resta back in DTM actionposted in DTM02 | 05 | 2014

    BATHGATE'S PAUL DI RESTA returns to competitive racing this weekend when he leads Mercedes' seven-car assault on Germany's highly-competitive DTM Championship at Hockenheim.

    In front of 100,000 spectators, the 28-year-old will complete his switch from the glitz, glamour and politics of Formula One to a series in which he feels completely at home.

    "It is like coming home," Di Resta, who raced in DTM between 2007 and '10 before graduating to F1, smiled at the circuit today after flying in from his Monaco base.

    "I always felt comfortable in DTM, and especially with Mercedes, so it's great to be back amongst friends."

    Di Resta — who remains favourite to be named as test driver for the Mercedes F1 team — has already impressed during pre-season testing, topping the timesheets on at least one occasion. But the Scot — who won the championship with Mercedes in 2010 — is playing down his expectations for this season.

    "Like any racer, I start every season wanting to score podiums, win races, and ultimately win championships," he stated. "But DTM is ultra competitive.

    "In addition, this year's Mercedes is a completely new homologation of the car I last drove in 2010, so there's a lot to learn.

    "But I know it's not just me who is having to learn about the car. Everyone who is part of the Mercedes DTM team has been working hard to ensure we get the best out of the new car, especially for the opening race this weekend."

    Related: Di Resta set for F1 return

    Whether that will be enough to take the battle to Audi and BMW, which dominated the championship last year, remains to be seen.

    Audi's Mike Rockenfeller won the title last year with 142 points, ahead of the BMWs of Augusto Farfus and Bruno Spengler on 116 and 82 points respectively.

    The highest-laced Mercedes was that of Christian Vietoris in fourth, five points adrift of Spengler.

    "We know the challenge we face this year," Di Resta's whose win in 2010 was the last time Mercedes lifted the DTM crown," admitted.

    "We've tested well in pre-season, but we won't know where we truly sit compared to our rivals until qualifying on Saturday, and ultimately the race on Sunday.

    "There's been times when I've been very comfortable in the car, and equally times when I've had to work a bit harder with it. But that's the nature of motorsport: working hard to find the car's sweet spot.

    "The biggest thing for me is handling the transition from an F1 single-seater back to a saloon car, and making sure I feel confident and comfortable about where I am and can get the maximum out of it.

    "I won here last time out in 2010, and I think it's unfair to expect a repeat of that after being away from the championship for three years, but I'll be doing everything I can to get the best result possible."

    Related: Di Resta fastest Merc in DTM test

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    Jim McGill

     

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