DC backs Di Resta 04 | 02 | 2011
FORMULA ONE grand prix winner David Coulthard has called for fellow Scot Paul di Resta to be given room to settle into his 'great opportunity' with Force India, alongside team-mate Adrian Sutil. And the 39-year-old from Twynholm believes Di Resta will be a "great ambassador" for Scotland.
"I'm tremendously excited for Paul. He's very grounded, he's incredibly quick behind the wheel and I think he will be a great ambassador for Scotland," Coulthard, a winner of 13 grands prix and now BBC F1 pundit, said as he opened the Scottish Caravan and Outdoor Leisure Show at the SECC in Glasgow.
"This year is a big season for Paul. If Paul can get close to Adrian, or match him, in the early races, that would be incredible. If he can be in front of him near the end of the year, that sets him out as a driver to be watched for the future."
"This is a great opportunity for Paul with Force India and he thoroughly deserves his chance. I competed against Paul on the same track last year when he won the German Touring Car Championship (DTM).
"I'm continuing in DTM with Mercedes this year, but Paul — quite rightly — has been promoted to a full F1 race seat in F1. I'm fully aware of his talents and ability. He won the DTM title when I was sort of somewhere down the back learning how to master those cars. They're very different to single seater racing, but they're a lot of fun.
"I'm sure he will deliver"
"This year is a big season for Paul. If Paul can get close to Adrian, or match him, in the early races, that would be incredible. If he can be in front of him near the end of the year, that sets him out as a driver to be watched for the future."
But Coulthard was quick to suggest the youngster should be spared the pressure likely to be heaped on him by the media, and the nation.
"I think we have to be realistic and keep our expectations in check," Coulthard, who used to spend family holidays in caravans and then used them during his racing career at circuits around Europe, continued.
"Paul's 24-years old, similar to the time I started in Formula 1, so he's got a bit of life experience, knows the team well and, fingers crossed the car works. If it does, I'm sure he will deliver.
"Being successful in F1 is not just about having talent, you've got to have a good car and a good team. Force India is pretty much a mid-grid team, but we're all hoping the car will be more competitive.
"He's comfortable in the environment"
"I really hope the car they give him enables him to run towards the front because obviously technology is key in Formula 1 and, if you don't have the right kit underneath you, then you can't deliver.
"Paul is already very familiar with the Force India set up having spent last season as it's test and reserve driver, so he knows his way around. That's invaluable.
"You have to adapt to the different demands of a grand prix car, but the biggest thing for me is that he's known within the team; he knows the mechanics and the engineers, and he's comfortable in that environment.
"He'll understand how to work with these people, because it's not a holiday camp, it's a really tough business and you have to know who to turn when the car's not working properly. There's a real technical aspect to making sure he can get the best out of himself on the track.
"I'm obviously very proud to have another Scot in Formula 1 and anything I can do to help Paul I'm going to do, because if it works out he could have a great career."
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Jim McGill