Di Resta destroys DTM field at Brandsposted in DTM05 | 09 | 2010

SCOTLAND'S LEADING young race star, Bathgate's Paul di Resta, delivered a dominating performance at Brands Hatch to win his first DTM race of the year and move into second in the championship.

The Scot, who started from pole position, destroyed the opposition with a metronomic display of blindingly fast laps round the Kent circuit. Such was Di Resta's superiority that by mid-distance of the 90-lap race his advantage was 13 seconds over the field.

"That was awesome," beamed Di Resta, who backed off over the closing stages to eventually finish 7.443secs ahead of his Mercedes team-mate and championship leader, Canadian Bruno Spengler. Audi's Timo Scheider, the defending champion, was third, almost three seconds further adrift.

"The car was brilliant all weekend and today everything just clicked," Di Resta continued. "I've waited a long time this year to get my first win, but to do it on my home circuit is fantastic.

"I was a bit surprised on Saturday by how fast we were in qualifying and, to be honest, I was surprised again today by how easily I opened up the gap over everyone else.

"That's two seconds and a win I've had since the mid-season break, and now I'm up into second in the championship. What's crucial now is both the team and I continue this momentum for the final four races of the year."

Di Resta heads to Oscehrslaben in Germany for the next round in a fortnight having moved into second in the title race and closed the gap on Spengler to just nine points.

It wasn't such a good day though for fellow Scot David Coulthard. The winner of 13 Formula One grands prix was hit with a drive-through penalty after jumping the start. He eventually finished 12th, 31.7s behind Di Resta.

Craig James