Saturday: Paul Laughs, Nico Cries at Force India
Paul di Resta confirmed in qualifying the potential of Force India that had been seen since the beginning of the weekend. The Scotsman, who achieved the 4th fastest time in Q3, will however start from 9th place after a penalty for a gearbox change, while Nico Hülkenberg will start from the very back, victim of a technical failure in Q1.
Paul di Resta – 3rd and 4th [9th on the grid after a penalty]:
The car performed well all weekend so I knew we would be in good shape going into qualifying. We were in the top 5 during free practice, and the car improved more and more, stint after stint, as the track evolved. I’m very happy with my lap in Q3, which is my fastest lap so far.
I think the whole team did an excellent job to put us in this position: we trusted our instincts and simply worked to adapt the car to the track. I knew I would have a grid penalty for a gearbox change, which is frustrating, but at least I’ll start from the top 10. The challenge now is to ensure we’re on pace in the race and apply the strategy to leave with points.
Nico Hülkenberg – 9th and 24th:
It was a short and really disappointing session for me. I was about to start my first timed lap in Q1 when I suddenly lost power. I went straight at the chicane, and the team told me to stop the car. It’s a shame that this happened on a day when the car seemed so competitive, but that’s racing.
It will be hard to launch myself from the back tomorrow, but I will try to find a way through so that we can, hopefully, not leave the race empty-handed.
