Di Resta impresses at Silverstone

Jul 15 2010 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

PAUL di RESTA steered home his F1 supercar in Silverstone practice last weekend with an stunning drive which was just a tenth of a second behind former world champion Fernando Alonso.

The Bathgate Bullet, behind the wheel for his sixth practice session as Force India’s test and reserve driver, enjoyed his first drive in an F1 car round Silverstone, completed 22 laps to familiarise himself with the challenges of the high-speed track, setting an impressive 14th quickest time.

Speaking last weekend, di Resta said: “This morning was quite productive, getting up to speed with another new track.

“I went through my usual programme, building up slowly through the session but on my last run I had a problem with the radio not working and I got caught in some major traffic, so I could have improved the time.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the session and it's a great thrill to be out here in front of my home crowd at a circuit I’ve watched so many races at in the past.”

Di Resta was one of three Brit’s at Silverstone, with McLaren pair Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

The 24-year-old has a long history with the current championship leader Hamilton after scrapping it out for titles including the F3 EuroSeries four years ago.

And now with Anthony Hamilton, Lewis’ dad, in di Resta’s corner, the pair have yet more in common.

Anthony helped steer Lewis Hamilton into the F1 fast lane and with him now backing di Resta, the Scot could be sooner swapping his test seat for a place on the starting grid.