Bathgate bullet set for Korea

Oct 13 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

Di Resta

PAUL Di RESTA narrowly missed out on more F1 points as a safety car foiled Force India’s strategy in Japan.

The Bathgate Bullet started strongly at Suzuka as he sped into 8th in the first lap after starting 12th on the grid.

But with a safety car bunching up the vehicles midway through the race and his tyres losing grip late on, he finished where he started – 12th.

And as he gears up for this weekend’s trip to Korea, he admits he was disappointed to miss out on more championship points.

He said: “I definitely enjoyed the challenge of the track, but we came away a bit disappointed not to convert our strong start into points.

“The timing of the safety car made it hard to realise the full potential of our strategy. “But we will take it on the chin and look to fight back in Korea.”

Paul will be taking to the Yeongam track for the first time this week.

And while he has been in the simulator, he admits he’s entering the unknown.

He said: “I've not raced at any of the remaining tracks on the calendar.

“I've visited all these places and walked the tracks last year, but there's only so much you learn from that.

“Plus, for Korea I've only done half a day in the simulator so there's lots for me to get to grips with.

“It's another technical lap with some quite distinctive sectors and different characteristics.

“There are some slower, more technical parts to the lap in the first sector, which should play to our strengths, while the second and third sectors are high-speed and have a nice flow.”

Paul has been in fine form for Force India, grabbing 20 points and sitting 13th in the Drivers Championships.