di Resta looking forward to maiden home event

by Jack Lamure on Jul 5th, 2011

Scotsman Paul di Resta says he's looking forward to contesting his maiden home grand prix - though the Force India man admits he has little experience of the Silverstone circuit.

Having spent the past four seasons in German touring car series DTM di Resta hasn't raced at the Norhamptonshire venue since contesting the UK Formula Renault championship back in 2004. His team, however, are based in Silverstone, giving di Resta yet more impetus to perform on home soil.

"Coming to Silverstone as a Formula One driver will feel very special. It’s going to be one of the highlights of the season and a very busy weekend," said the 25-year-old. "It's is not a track where I’ve raced at much in the past. My only race to date has been on the national circuit in a Formula Renault. So when I drove in free practice last year it was my first experience of the full Grand Prix circuit.

 

"It’s a great lap and a place where you can really feel a Formula 1 car excel through the quick corners. And this year, with the new layout, there’s a high-speed end of the lap so it will be interesting to see how the tyres hold on in qualifying.

"I remember last year that the atmosphere was just incredible. The British fans love Formula One, the grandstands are always packed and the whole place feels alive. I can’t wait to feel that buzz again this year.

"My target is to hopefully make the top ten in qualifying. We’ve been there or there abouts for the last few races and we need to be there if we want to fight for points."

Di Resta will be hoping to continue a proud tradition of Scottish achievement at the British Grand Prix. Jim Clark is the most successful driver in the race's history, level with Alain Prost on five British wins, whilst fellow Scots Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard are both two-time winners of the event.