Paul di Resta feels capable of joining a top team
After achieving his best career result in Singapore, Paul di Resta admits he feels capable of joining one of the biggest teams in the championship, even though, for now, he claims to remain loyal to Team Sahara Force India.
By finishing just off the podium at the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix, Paul di Resta recorded his best career performance after achieving his best qualifying performance at Monza two weeks ago, before dropping down the starting grid due to a penalty: “Personally, it’s a fantastic result for me and we achieved it on merit over the whole weekend, even though it’s the most demanding race for the car and the driver. It takes time to recover, but it would be nice to take the next few days to reflect on it. […] Let’s hope this momentum continues. I like to think I’m capable of joining one of the biggest teams. In the past, I’ve raced against drivers currently at the top, I’ve had great battles with them and beaten them,” the Scotsman told The Telegraph, not without alluding to the F3 Euroseries title he won against his teammate at the time, Sebastian Vettel.
The Uphall native, however, says he is not getting carried away and assures Force India of his loyalty: « When the time comes, I hope someone will step up and give me my chance because I want a car that wins races week after week. I’ve worked with factory teams before [in DTM, editor’s note] and there’s a huge difference. But my loyalty is with Force India for now, so I will remain focused on the work I am currently doing. »
The fact remains that for a long time, the Scotsman was linked to a seat at Mercedes, where he was designated by some as the successor to Michael Schumacher, before the possibility of Lewis Hamilton’s arrival emerged. From then on, why not consider Paul di Resta replacing the 2008 World Champion at McLaren, especially after severing ties with Anthony Hamilton, he signed with Richard Goddard, Jenson Button’s manager. The Force India driver, however, strives to keep a cool head despite the speculations: « It’s a difficult situation, but I have people who handle that for me. I am happier than I’ve ever been with what’s happening around me. It’s as if things are falling into place, and hopefully, it will last. »
