Di Resta starts fifth at Hockenheimposted in DTM16 | 10 | 2010

BATHGATE'S PAUL di Resta will start fifth in the latest round of the DTM Championship at Hockenheim tomorrow, but the Scot's rival for the title, team-mate Bruno Spengler is a distant 11th.

"Obviously we're not where we want to be," Di Resta, seven points behind the Canadian with three races remaining, said after the rain-affected session. "I was desperate to get through to the final four shoot-out, but we just missed out.

"If there's a consolation, it's that Bruno starts sixth places behind me, and four of those cars are Audis, so it's not going to be easy. 

"It does mean my start will be crucial because being so far back in the pack is generally where all the action is at the first corner. As long as I negotiate that, I'm confident, given the race speed we've had in the last four races, we can grab at least a podium."

Di Resta, winner of the last two races at Brands Hatch and Oscherslaben, missed the top four shoot-out by 0.072s. 

Defending champ Timo Scheider starts from pole, leading an Audi 1-2 ahead of team-mate Mike Rockenfeller. England's Gary Paffett completes the top three in his Mercedes.

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Jim McGill