Di Resta bags seventh on Aston debut 05 | 05 | 2019
BATHGATE’S PAUL DI RESTA narrowly missed out on a top six finish as he debuted his all-new Aston Martin Vantage in the DTM Championship opener at Hockenheim. (Related: Paul di Resta poised for Aston Martin DTM debut)
The 32-year-old Scot, who ran comfortably in the top five in race one before retiring late on with brake problems, took an aggressive tyre strategy in the second 37-lap race.
Starting from 15th on the grid, the ex-Formula 1 racer pitted on lap seven before rapidly moved through the field, eventually taking the lead on lap 23.
Two laps later the Scot pitted again, rejoined in 12th and set about climbing back up the leaderboard.
Having eased himself into seventh, Di Resta then hounded the BMW of Timo Glock for the remaining two laps eventually crossing the line just 0.3secs behind the German. (Related: Paul di Resta seals Asian LMP2 title)
Di Resta’s Aston Martin Vantage was built and developed by HWA on behalf of the Swiss-based R-Motorsport team. HWA also ran the Mercedes factory team in which the Scot claimed his DTM title in 2010.
“The whole team has to be delighted with our performances this weekend,” the Scot, who narrowly missed out on the 2018 DTM title with Mercedes, stated afterwards. “Considering the few months in which we’ve developed and built four race cars, it’s a very impressive debut. (Related: Di Resta to lead Aston Martin assault on DTM)
“To be able to lead the race on the first weekend of the season, and then fight back through the field narrowly missing out on sixth — against teams and manufacturers which have had an 18-month start on us in terms of development — is hugely encouraging.”
BMW’s Marco Wittman won the season’s opener, while Rene Rast led home an Audi 1-2-3 in today’s second race.
Related: Paul di Resta storms to Brands Hatch win
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Jim McGill