Di Resta sits out testposted in F121 | 09 | 2010
BATHGATE'S PAUL di Resta will fly to Singapore tomorrow but, frustratingly for the 24-year-old, he will not take part in Friday's free practice for Force India ahead of the weekend's Formula One Grand Prix.
But Di Resta, full of confidence after his back-to-back win in the DTM Chamionship at Brands Hatch and Oscherslaben, fully understands the reasoning behind the team's decision.
"It's a real pity, but the decision by the team is entirely understandable given the unique fact it's a night race under floodlights, allied to our battle to finish sixth in the constructors' championship," Di Resta explained today.
"I've never been to Singapore, so it's going to be a fantastic experience, but I will miss the driving. I spent a bit of time on the circuit in the simulator and it was totally different to anything I'd driven on before. I enjoyed it and loved the fact it's a street circuit, but now I'll have to wait a bit longer for the real thing.
"Such is the competitiveness in F1 that even at this late stage of the season we'll be introducing a few new parts on the car, so the two drivers really need to spend as much time in the car over the full weekend as possible.
"I know we have an excellent package for Singapore thanks to the work the guys have been doing back at the factory at Silverstone, and in the wind tunnel. Downforce issues at Singapore are completely different to those we've experienced at Spa and Monza in the last two grands prix but I'm confident the car will be fast and competitive this weekend.
"And I'll be doing my bit though. I'll be with the team for the whole weekend sitting in the driver meetings and analysing all the figures, so I'll be learning more and more about Formula One and how the car works on another new track and in totally different, night time conditions.
"I'm hoping though to have a bit of fun as well. Everyone tells me what a fantastic place Singapore is so I'll use some of the little free time I have to get into the city and enjoy the culture.
"But the main objective for the weekend is to help the team as much as I can to get the best results and keep Williams behind us to ensure we finish sixth in the championship."
Jim McGill