Di Resta targets home winposted in DTM02 | 09 | 2010

BATHGATE'S Paul di Resta gets back down to DTM duty this weekend when he bids to repeat his home win of 12 months ago at Brands Hatch. And the 24-year-old heads into the Kent race full of confidence and momentum after back-to-back second places at the Nurburgring and Zandvoort.

"Yeh, I certainly go there with a bit of momentum behind me," he explained before driving down from home to the circuit. "The back-to-back second places have catapulted me back into the battle for the championship. Sure two wins would have been better, but I'll take the seconds.

"I won at Brands Hatch last year and I'll be doing everything I can to make sure I win in front of the massive home crowd again. The atmosphere at Brands is always excellent and, as usual, I'll have my own mini army of family and friends cheering me on."

Di Resta's consistent performances in the two races following the DTM's mid-season break means he heads to Brands third in the championship, just two points behind Gary Paffett in second, and 11 adrift of leader, Canadian Bruno Spengler. All three are Mercedes pilots. The Scot though admits team friendship will play no part in Sunday's race.

"It's every man for himself as soon as the race starts," he continued. "I really want to win the championship this year after coming so close in 2008. We've five races to go in the season, so there's a lot of points at stake, but I know I've got to start winning soon and there would be no better time than this weekend."

JM